Russian State Duma acknowledges that Putin did not succeed in achieving his goals in Ukraine

Russian media reports this. 

Zatulin stated that Russia was unable to accomplish any of Putin's objectives during the invasion of Ukraine. The official goal of Russia was to achieve the "denazification, demilitarization, and neutrality of Ukraine" while claiming to protect the residents of Donbas. Zatulin questioned the effectiveness of these goals, particularly emphasizing the point of Ukraine's neutrality, which he believes has lost its significance.

"On which of these points have we achieved a result? None. What's more, some of them have ceased to have any meaning. For example, the neutrality of Ukraine. What is the point of putting forward this demand? None at the moment. It will not be neutral if it remains to exist," he said.

Furthermore, Zatulin expressed doubts that Russia, with its current support from the West, would be able to fully control Ukraine to enact any desired changes. He pondered whether Ukraine, under the leadership of President Zelenskyy or his successors, would be able to withstand the ongoing events, suggesting that the support provided to opposing forces was insufficient.

Zatulin also mentioned that although the Russian leadership does not openly discuss the matter, they are aware of the situation, implying their recognition of the difficulties they face.

• It is worth noting that there has been a strained relationship between Yevgeny Prigozhin and the top military leadership of the Russian Federation for some time. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner private military company (PMC), has criticized the inadequate ammunition supply to his fighters and publicly confronted officials of the Russian Ministry of Defense, including Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defense. Prigozhin recently claimed that he and other high-ranking members of Wagner were cut off from the government communication line and denied access to Russian ministries.

• On May 25, Prigozhin announced the withdrawal of Wagner units from Bakhmut, with the positions expected to be handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense by June 1.

• Ivan Varchenko, an expert on national security, believes that the Wagner group itself is interested in removing Prigozhin from the equation.