Russian PresidentVladimir Putincould reportedly offer Ukraine a ceasefire as he attempts to fortify Russian advances in Luhansk and Donbas, but only after his army takes over all of the latter regions, it was reported in July 2022.

What Happened:Putin would focus on capturing all of the Donbas before extending an offer of a ceasefire, according toVictor Abramowicz, a defense industry advisor,reportedCNBC.

Putin [may] offer the potential for a cease-fire if only to give him[self] an opportunity to fortify the gains that hes managed to achieve so far, said Abramowicz.

Abramowicz said should Russia succeed in meeting its limited objectives in Donbas and then offer a cease-fire it would put Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyin a difficult situation.

The expert said that there was no particular reason to believe that acceptance of a Russian cease-fire will lead to an enduring peace, according to CNBC.

However, if Zelenskyy doesnt accept Russias offer, he risks losing, potentially, in due course, some of the Western support he relies on, said Abramowicz.

Why It Matters:Abramowicz said the West could support Ukraine for another six months to a year and the then-upcomingmid-term elections in the United States would have a bearing on American backing for the country, reported CNBC.

The Russian army already occupiesan entire province of Ukraine.Putin now wants his top generals to head towards Ukraines Donetsk province, a constituent of the Donbas region.

Russias leaderrecognizedthe Luhansk and Donetskbreakaway regions earlier in February.

This story was originally published on Jul. 6, 2022.

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