Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia has repeatedly failed to meet its own military objectives in eastern Ukraine, arguing that the Kremlin has revised its timeline for capturing the Donetsk region numerous times since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022.
In a statement shared on social media, Zelenskyy said Russian political leaders remain fixated on taking full control of Donbas despite years of setbacks.
According to him, Moscow has already issued 15 separate deadlines for completing the operation, only to postpone them after each missed target.
Series of Deadlines Stretch Back to 2022
Zelenskyy outlined what he described as a pattern of shifting deadlines dating back to the first year of the war.
He said Russian authorities initially expected to secure the Donetsk region by March 31, 2022, before successively extending the objective to May 9, June 1, September 15, and finally December 31 that same year.
He added that the pattern continued throughout subsequent years. Two additional target dates were reportedly announced in 2023, followed by two more in 2024 as Russian forces continued to face resistance on the battlefield.
New Targets Continue to Be Delayed
According to the Ukrainian leader, Russia maintained the same approach in 2025 by establishing three more deadlines for completing the campaign in Donetsk. Those dates, he said, were set for September 1, December 1, and December 25.
Zelenskyy asserted that the Kremlin has already altered its expectations again in 2026. He claimed that an initial deadline of March 31 was later pushed to September 1 and has now been extended to December 31.
Warning Over Russia’s Military Losses
Zelenskyy argued that continued delays demonstrate the difficulty Russia has faced in achieving its military objectives. He suggested that if the conflict continues without resolution, Moscow may once again be forced to postpone its timetable.
The Ukrainian president also warned of the human cost of the war, stating that additional mobilization could follow if Russia continues pursuing the same strategy.
He said those who have not yet been called into military service should consider what prolonged fighting could mean for them.
Denmark’s Defense Minister Makes First Official Visit Since Appointment
In a separate update, Zelenskyy announced that Jeppe Bruus visited Ukraine for the first time since becoming Denmark’s defense minister, describing the trip as an important demonstration of Copenhagen’s continued backing for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president said the visit underscored Denmark’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts as the war continues.
Ukraine and Denmark Near Drone Agreement
During their meeting, Zelenskyy said discussions focused heavily on finalizing a bilateral “Drone Deal” aimed at expanding cooperation in unmanned aerial systems.
He noted that negotiating teams from both countries have nearly completed work on the agreement and expressed confidence that it should be signed as quickly as possible. Zelenskyy said both sides share the view that strengthening drone cooperation remains an urgent priority.
Air Defense and Military Assistance Remain Key Priorities
The talks also covered joint efforts to improve anti-ballistic defense capabilities, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s capacity to counter missile threats.
In addition, the two leaders reviewed preparations for Denmark’s upcoming 30th military assistance package for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy thanked the Danish government for reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong military and political support for Ukraine under its new administration.
