Illia Kabachynskyi

While Ukrainians rose en masse to defend their homeland against Russia’s invasion, when US special forces stormed the Venezuelan capital and captured leader Nicolás Maduro, they did not face much resistance from the public, the army, or even the presidential guard.

Ukraine is investing heavily in drones. Lacking the same manpower resources as Russia, the Ukrainian army is increasingly fighting with unmanned systems. Against this backdrop, a slogan has even emerged: robots and drones go into battle first. Russian army losses in December 2025 underscore the effectiveness of this approach.

While discussing the issue of a peace agreement, Ukraine has prepared a framework agreement—a draft of a basic document on ending the war. It contains 20 points addressing a ceasefire, security guarantees, Ukraine’s future for decades ahead, and other key issues that have been raised previously.

The Kremlin has claimed it gained full control over the city of Kupiansk so many times, it almost seems to believe it. In reality, Ukraine’s Armed Forces have carried out a series of successful counterattacks, pushing Russian troops back.

By the end of 2025, Russia’s total irrecoverable losses in the war are projected to reach 1.2 million—a figure unseen since World War II. Yet in the Kremlin, these unprecedented casualties are met with calm resolve. Russia appears willing to continue the war, losing hundreds of thousands of soldiers each year.

Russia’s war machine is losing fuel—literally. Oil revenues have cratered, sanctions are tightening the noose, and unsold tankers drift aimlessly at sea.