In brief
UNIAN's account of Washington Post reporting describes analysts' assessments and Russian sources' expectations of European fatigue.
Vladimir Putin is counting on sustained pressure to weaken European support for Ukraine, according to analysts and Russian sources cited by The Washington Post, as recounted by UNIAN on October 6.
The account forecasts intensified Russian hybrid warfare in Europe and continued strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities away from the front before winter. It describes Moscow's hope that European countries will have less willingness and capacity to support Ukraine by spring.
One Russian source said Moscow was concerned about Europe's high level of involvement in the war. Another, described as an official, said Putin's circle hoped escalation would frighten Europeans away from supporting Ukraine. UNIAN's account did not name either source.
Analysts linked continued pressure to Russia's battlefield setbacks and slowing economic growth. The account also described stronger pro-Russian parties in Europe as a source of hope for the Kremlin. These are assessments of Moscow's strategy and expectations about future support.