Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no real sign of slowing down the war in Ukraine, even as long-range strikes continue to cause economic turmoil throughout Russia.
Moscow is doubling down on its demands of Ukraine, escalating strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and is now accusing European countries of waging war against Russia.
Putin Speaking in July 2026 Creative Commons Photo
Putin in July of 2026 Creative Commons Photo
As the war approaches its fifth year, the Kremlin seems to believe time is still on its side, with Putin insisting Russia can achieve its objectives by force—and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has even publicly ruled out abandoning Russia’s war aims.
And, with winter approaching, Russia is now launching its largest coordinated and ongoing attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in months.
Moscow’s message is clear: Russia won’t back down and may escalate if necessary.
Putin Gets A New Parliament
Putin heads into winter 2026 with a new parliament—and one dominated by even more of his supporters.
United Russia, the ruling pro-Putin party, won 57.83% of the vote in Russia’s September parliamentary elections, according to the country’s Central Election Commission.
The party secured a constitutional majority in the 450-seat State Duma, strengthening the Kremlin’s control over the legislature.
Putin had presented the vote as, among other things, a measure of public support for his government and the war.
The election took place between September 18 and 20 and was the first State Duma election since Russia launched the invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022.
But voters had few options for candidates opposing the war, as Russia’s Supreme Council barred the liberal Yabloko party, the country’s only registered political party to openly oppose the invasion, from competing on the nationwide party-list ballot.
Many of the individual candidates were also barred from running.
The other major parties that won seats have broadly supported the war and have routinely backed United Russia on major political issues.
The final results gave United Russia a record 349 of the Duma’s 450 seats, with the Communist Party securing 37, the nationalist LDPR 23, New People 19, Just Russia 17, and Motherland taking one. Independents secured four seats.
The new parliament also includes 46 veterans of the war in Ukraine, making up more than 10% of the chamber.
That leaves Putin with an even more overwhelmingly supportive parliament as he pushes to take control of the Donbas.
Russia Prepares for Intense Winter Fighting
This winter could be rough for Ukraine — and Russia.
As Kyiv continues its long-range strike campaign deep into Russian territory, Moscow is preparing to deliver major blows of its own through the winter months, disrupting energy supply during the coldest months.
On September 30, Russia launched one of its largest coordinated attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in months, using 285 drones and missiles against targets all over the country.
The strikes killed seven people, including a child, and emergency power cuts were introduced around Kyiv for the first time since spring.
The strikes also disrupted water supplies and transportation.
Notably, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted heating and electricity infrastructure in previous winters—and this year, Kyiv is struggling to get the air-defense interceptors needed to stop those strikes from happening again.
Ukraine is asking the United States for an additional 300 Patriot interceptors as Russia increases missile production in anticipation of a heavy winter of attacks.
While those strikes could ultimately force Ukraine to reconsider its position over the winter, Russia’s preparations also give Moscow leverage.
Russia has failed to capture the entirety of the Donbas after more than four years of fighting, but the threat of major disruption this winter – worse than any other year – may also be enough for Kyiv to make the concessions Moscow continues to demand.
Russia Turns Up Pressure On Europe
And now, Russia is focusing on Ukraine’s partners in Europe.
Western governments are now accusing Moscow of conducting sabotage operations and cyberattacks across the continent.
Russia has denied that it is conducting any hybrid war operations against NATO countries, but Sergey Lavrov this week offered a different interpretation, accusing Europe of waging a war against Russia.
“If you acknowledge that your weapons are being used to attack us, and we shoot them down, call it whatever you like. I have no doubt, though, that Europe is waging a war against us. We’ve been making this point for a long time now,” Lavrov told reporters.
With just weeks to go until Ukrainian and Russian civilians are exposed to particularly cold and harsh winter conditions, time is ticking for the White House to bring all parties together to prevent a brutal winter that could result in huge numbers of civilian deaths — not to mention more on the battlefield, too.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at 19FortyFive and National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
