Illia Kabachynskyi

Putin has claimed major battlefield victories in Ukraine, but 2025 figures tell a different story. Ukraine ultimately held Pokrovsk or Chasiv Yar, blocked Russia from Kostiantynivka, and almost cleared Kupiansk—destroying over 1,000 Russian troops. These realities matter as partners consider any future negotiations or shifts in support for Ukraine.

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.