Russia seeks to seize all of Ukraine, not just Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and Vladimir Putin can only be stopped if he feels that he is losing the war — something that can only be achieved through strength, according to Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara.
He made the remarks during a meeting with journalists.
“Russia is not interested in Donetsk or Luhansk separately. Its goal is all of Ukraine. For Ukraine, this is an existential war. Putin sees this war as part of his continued effort to build his empire. His goal is to seize all Ukrainian territory, destroy Ukrainian statehood and present this as a historic contribution to the development of the Russian state. Putin views any concessions from us not as a path to peace, but as confirmation that pressure works and that aggression can continue,” Khmara stressed.
He noted that Russia is considering an additional wave of mobilisation, potentially recruiting around 300,000 more people this year and another 300,000 next year. According to the minister, this is a response to Russia’s difficulties in the war and its steadily rising battlefield losses.
“Putin can only be stopped if he feels that he is beginning to lose this war. This can only be achieved through strength — and through its effective use,” Khmara said.
Yevhenii Khmara officially became acting Minister of Defence on July 20. On August 19, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada appointed him Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
Previously, Khmara had headed the Security Service of Ukraine’s Special Operations Centre “A” since August 2025, and from January to July 2026 he served as acting head of the SSU.
