Vladimir Putin’s ‘Plan A’ in the Ukraine has failed and the war could become a frozen conflict, a former NATO boss has claimed.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who was NATO Secretary-General between 2009 and 2014, said the Russian leader’s initial hope had been to conquer the country in a few days after his troops poured across the border in February 2022.

However more than two years on, the advance has seemingly stalled, and Ukrainian forces have managed to counterattack in some areas and launch drone strikes into Russia itself.

Speaking to German television channel N-TV, Rasmussen said: “I am afraid that this will be a long war. Putin’s plan A – to conquer the whole of Ukraine in a few days – has failed.

“His plan B is a frozen conflict and Russian occupation of eastern Ukraine in the hope that the West will weaken and give in.”

The former NATO Secretary-General added: “I think next year will be crucial. If we give the Ukrainians everything they need, to not only survive but to win the war, they have a good chance of pushing the Russians back.”

Fighting has continued over the weekend, with Russian missiles striking the southern Ukrainian town of Vilniansk on Saturday, killing seven civilians, including children.

Authorities in the area claim at least 36 people were wounded in the bombardment, with Sunday declared as a day of mourning in the area.

In the country’s war-torn eastern Donetsk region, eight civilians were killed and 14 others suffered wounds on Saturday and overnight, according to local Governor Vadym Filashkin, as near-daily shelling continues in much of the province.

Russia continues to stretch out Ukrainian forces in several areas along the 600-mile front.

Moscow has stepped up air strikes in a bid to drain Ukraine‘s resources, often targeting energy facilities and other vital infrastructure.