Ukrainian Armed Forces General Mykola Malomuzh stated this on Espreso TV."Putin doesn't have just one scenario. He acts based on the situation and anticipates various developments. On the other hand, he makes multifaceted decisions. The day before yesterday, at a meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry board, he announced a 'new' war strategy – the deployment of new military units, offensive operations across the entire front, and the conquest of our eastern and southern territories," Malomuzh noted.According to the Ukrainian general, Putin's scenario envisions a difficult, protracted war with increased resources. In other words, this is an element of intimidating the world, particularly Europe and the U.S., demonstrating that extremely negative scenarios are possible for them if they continue to support Ukraine. On the other hand, Russia faces an extremely difficult situation both with its population and even with mobilization resources."Even to keep Russian citizens under control requires up to 12 million people – the Rosgvardia, Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB, and many other special services. That is, internal resources must be strictly controlled. And they also need some alternative to NATO. The Russians can threaten and demonstrate certain strike capabilities by conducting provocations. But for active offensive operations against NATO countries – this is practically impossible. For him, this would essentially be a collapse."The Ukrainian general added that Ukraine's Defense Forces repel and destroy the enemy daily. Two armies that Putin had at the beginning of the war have already been destroyed, and this is a result."Therefore, Putin may resort to a new mobilization, but he's afraid to announce it. Internal discontent is growing. Those who return home from the front, who survived in Ukraine, bring back a different truth – that no one is waiting for them here, that there is only death here. And now Putin will manipulate, threaten, and try to strengthen strike capabilities on certain sections of the front.On the other hand, he will strike civilian populations, demonstrating terror, and build up resources that he currently lacks. Therefore, countermeasures are needed," Malomuzh emphasized.On December 18, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's ability to continue the war directly depends on the effectiveness of sanctions pressure from the West.