Putin is betting that cold winter will force EU to pressure Ukraine to sign armistice on better terms for Kremlin

This was reported by Reuters with reference to its own sources.

"We have time, we can wait", the Russian representative said on condition of anonymity. 

According to a Russian source, high energy prices and possible shortages this winter are the only path to peace Moscow sees, as the Ukrainian side has said it will not negotiate until Russia withdraws from all of Ukraine.

"The winter will be difficult for Europeans. We have seen protests. Some European leaders may think twice about continuing to support Ukraine and will think that the time has come for a deal", the Russian representative said.

A second source close to the Russian government said that Moscow is noticing the weakening of European unity, and expects that this process will accelerate against the backdrop of winter difficulties.