Military experts have warned that Vladimir Putin is resorting to psychological warfare and brutal 'meatgrinder' tactics as the war in Ukraine enters a dangerous new phase ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. Russian forces have advanced to within 1.9 miles of the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk, a strategic hub in Donetsk, after capturing several positions near the city, according to Ukraine's DeepState map.
Russia has seized nearly 400 square miles of territory since the fall of Avdiivka in February, with ground offensives accelerating in October and November. Analysts note Russia's reliance on costly 'meatgrinder' assaults, often at great expense to its own troops. Alexander Lord, a defence analyst at Sibylline, said the Russian military likely aims to force Ukrainian withdrawals and shorten defensive lines, possibly by encircling Pokrovsk, though it remains unclear if they have the capability.
Moscow has also ramped up rhetoric to undermine Ukrainian support. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned of a 'response' after Ukraine allegedly used ATACMS to strike a facility in Taganrog, while Ukraine reportedly hit a major ammunition dump in Markyne. US officials say Putin could launch another hypersonic missile in the coming days. Keir Giles of Chatham House described Russia's hypersonic programme as largely a psychological weapon, aimed at terrorising populations rather than large-scale deployment.
Russia's isolation has deepened following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, threatening its presence there. Analysts say this could free up resources for the war effort as both sides jockey for position. The uncertainty is compounded by Trump's imminent inauguration; he has claimed he would secure a peace deal from 'day one' and criticised sending missiles into Russia, calling it a 'very big mistake'. Moscow may see this as an opportunity to secure gains for future negotiations, with some suggesting Russia aims to push Ukrainian forces off their own territory to facilitate a deal under a Trump administration.
