The Kremlin is no longer playing games: ending the war is now almost impossible
11 December 2025 11:54
ANALYSIS FROM 
Russia is in no hurry to end the war in Ukraine. Despite rumors of a possible cessation of hostilities in 2025, the Kremlin is sending a clear signal: the war will continue, and Moscow’s strategic goals remain unchanged. Military training, tax hikes, and bomb shelters in schools are all evidence of preparations for a protracted war. What are Russia’s real motives and why is an end to the fighting unlikely in the near future?
Despite recent statements by some Russian officials about a possible imminent end to the war, the Kremlin has given a completely different, much tougher signal. A source close to Putin has actually destroyed the widespread expectations of a possible end to the war in the first half of 2025. Writes “Kremlin snuffbox”
According to him, rumors about negotiations and a possible cessation of hostilities circulating on the sidelines of the Russian government do not correspond to the real positions of the leadership.
“We need a victory. The military almost unanimously believes that it is impossible to achieve victory next year. Therefore, I can say clearly: the end of hostilities next year is extremely unlikely. Period,” the anonymous source said.
Moreover, Putin said unequivocally: Russia will bring the so-called “SMO” to achieve its goals.
The source emphasized that all other forecasts and “optimistic” comments about the imminent end of the war should not be taken seriously.
In this way, the Kremlin is actually admitting that there are no real prerequisites for ending the aggression, and Russia is preparing for a protracted war, despite the internal crisis, economic exhaustion, and deepening international isolation.
Three facts about Putin’s readiness to continue the war
The Kremlin is already planning not only the continuation of the war, but also possible hostilities outside Ukraine. Three recent moves by the Russian authorities indicate systematic preparations for a long war.
1. Military training in 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to draft Russians for military training next year. The call-up includes army reservists, as well as reservists of the Emergency Situations Ministry and the Rosgvardia. Two clauses of the decree were left hidden from the public, which raises additional questions about the scope of the training.
2. Increasing VAT to finance the war
The Kremlin plans to raise the value-added tax several times – the current 22% is temporary. The authorities estimate that the war will require additional funding in the next 3-5 years. Dmitry Peskov and government sources say that people are “ready to pay more for Russia’s victory.”
3. Bomb shelters in schools and social infrastructure
Regional governments have been instructed to audit all shelters and provide data to Moscow. The central government plans to equip major bomb shelters not only in schools but also in all social infrastructure buildings. In fact, this is preparation for a long war, despite limited funding.
Kremlin’s motives
Russia continues its offensive on the frontline, and the war is not expected to end. According to military expert Ivan Stupak in an exclusive commentary
“They feel the places where Ukrainian defense is weakened and plan to push our positions as much as possible in the coming months,” Stupak explains.
The expert notes that the Kremlin’s decision is also influenced by the West’s position.
“While Trump is pursuing an impotent policy of helping Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia, Russia sees this as a window of opportunity. They are striking while the iron is hot,” Stupak adds.
In this way, the Kremlin demonstrates that it has no plans to stop the aggression. Military training, financing the war by raising taxes, and arranging bomb shelters indicate systematic preparations for a long conflict. Russia continues to exert pressure on the front, using the weaknesses of Ukrainian defense and international indifference as a chance for its own gains, and the end of the war in the near future remains unlikely.
