Zelenskyy: Putin's initiative in Ukraine is lost
The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared to Fox News during his recent visit to the United States that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin no longer holds the initiative in the war against Ukraine. This optimistic assessment is shared by numerous European leaders. The Finnish president Alexander Stubb recently commented that "Ukraine's position is stronger than ever since the war began".
The Ukrainian progress offers a rare window of opportunity to increase pressure on Putin and create the conditions for a negotiated end to the largest European conflict since World War II. However, this window is likely temporary. Kiev's European partners must therefore seize the moment and demonstrate their ability to act decisively on the international stage by increasing support for Ukraine.
The missed opportunity at the end of 2022
The last real chance for Ukraine to end the war came in the final weeks of 2022. The success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kharkiv and the liberation of Kherson had allowed Kiev to gain the initiative on the battlefield, leaving the Russian army in retreat in a demoralized state of disorder. The war seemed to be entering a decisive phase, with Ukraine ready to defeat the Russian invasion. At this critical moment, Kiev's Western partners lost their nerve. Their fear of escalation gave Putin a way out.
Western caution allowed Russia to reorganize, mobilize additional forces, expand defense production, and build extensive fortifications. When Ukraine launched a major offensive the following spring, Russia had recovered, and the opportunity was gone. As the tide of war turns once again in Ukraine's favor, European leaders must now avoid repeating the mistakes of 2022.
Signs of a shift in initiative in 2026
Since the beginning of the current year, there have been growing signs that the initiative has shifted from Russia to Ukraine. Along the front lines, the Russian army has struggled to advance throughout 2026, suffering record losses. Although Moscow can still count on significant manpower reserves, Putin is currently losing more men in Ukraine than he can realistically recruit without ordering a politically risky mass mobilization.
Ukraine's position is also improving beyond the battlefield. The rapidly evolving national drone industry has enabled the launch of a highly effective campaign of medium-range attacks against Russian logistics, disrupting the invasion and isolating occupied Crimea.
In parallel, Ukrainian long-range attacks against military and industrial targets deep inside Russia have sparked a fuel crisis and brought the invasion home to the Russian public. Reports of new attacks and images of burning Russian refineries have become a daily feature on Russian social media. Ukraine is also increasingly successfully targeting Russian maritime traffic in an attempt to deprive the Kremlin of vital export revenue.
Together with the cumulative effect of international sanctions, these Ukrainian attacks are creating growing difficulties for the Kremlin's war effort, threatening to destabilize the internal situation in Russia. This has led to increasingly optimistic assessments of Ukraine's prospects.
Economic impact and reconstruction
An often overlooked aspect is the economic impact of the war and the need to plan for reconstruction. Ukraine has suffered infrastructure damage estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars, with entire cities reduced to rubble. Europe could establish a dedicated reconstruction fund, financed by a combination of public and private contributions, working in synergy with international financial institutions.
A strategic approach should include identifying key sectors for economic recovery, such as energy, transportation, and agriculture, which are fundamental to the country's stability. Furthermore, Europe could facilitate access to favorable financing and partnerships with European companies for Ukrainian private sector reconstruction and development projects.
Energy security and independence
Energy security is another area where Europe can offer crucial support. Ukraine has suffered severe damage to its energy infrastructure, with targeted attacks on power plants and distribution networks. Europe could provide advanced technologies for energy production and storage, as well as support for modernizing Ukraine's energy networks.
Additionally, Europe could help Ukraine diversify its energy sources, promoting investments in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. This would not only reduce dependence on traditional energy sources but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
Scientific and technological cooperation
Scientific and technological cooperation is another area where Europe can offer significant support. Ukraine has a tradition of excellence in fields such as computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. Europe could facilitate collaboration between Ukrainian universities and research centers and their European counterparts, promoting the exchange of knowledge and technologies.
Furthermore, Europe could offer scholarships and doctoral programs for Ukrainian researchers, allowing them to access the best research resources and infrastructure available. This would not only improve Ukraine's research capabilities but also strengthen the ties between Ukrainian and European scientific communities.
Support for civil society and human rights
Finally, Europe should continue to support Ukrainian civil society and promote human rights. The war has had a devastating impact on the Ukrainian population, with millions of people displaced and many others living in difficult conditions. Europe could provide humanitarian aid, such as food assistance, healthcare, and temporary housing, to alleviate the population's suffering.
Additionally, Europe could support Ukrainian civil society organizations working to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This would include supporting human rights monitoring projects, training activists and journalists, and promoting dialogue between civil society and government institutions.
Conclusions
The measures described represent an integrated and strategic approach to supporting Ukraine. It is not just about providing weapons and military assistance, but about strengthening the country's resilience in all sectors, from defense to the economy, from energy to science, to civil society. This approach would not only help Ukraine resist Russian aggression but also contribute to building a more stable and prosperous future for the country.
Furthermore, this approach would demonstrate Europe's ability to act as an autonomous strategic actor, capable of effectively and coordinated addressing the continent's security challenges. The coming months could therefore represent a crucial test for Europe, not only as a partner of Ukraine but also as a global force.
Editorial Note and Disclaimer
The guides and content published on GoYou are the result of independent research and analysis activities, for informational, educational, and in-depth purposes.
GoYou does not constitute a journalistic publication or an editorial product pursuant to Law No. 62/2001 and does not engage in real-time information activities.
The GoYou project does not provide professional, technical, legal, or financial advice and disclaims all responsibility for the improper use of the information published.
In the Crypto sector, every investment involves risks: readers are invited to always inform themselves autonomously before making any decision.