How Ukraine Put Russia on the Backfoot

Ukraine currently holds its most advantageous position since mid-2023, characterized by a successful campaign targeting Russian logistics, air defenses, and energy infrastructure. By utilizing long-range drone strikes, Ukraine has imposed significant dilemmas on Moscow, creating fuel shortages and exposing vulnerabilities in Russia's heavily defended capital. Despite these gains, the Russian military continues to rely on grinding, small-scale assaults, failing to innovate or adapt to the evolving battlefield. While some observers fear Russian escalation against NATO, such threats lack credibility given the current degradation of Russian conventional forces. Political pressure on Putin remains limited, as he remains insulated from both public and elite dissent. Ultimately, the conflict remains a war of attrition, and while Ukraine has achieved a notable turning point, expectations of a rapid, decisive military victory should be tempered to avoid repeating the strategic miscalculations of previous offensives.