Political scientist Mark Galeotti, a professor of international politics at New York University, argues that Moscow retains a concealed capacity to influence the war in Ukraine. His assessment highlights how Russia could mobilize assets or strategies that are not immediately visible, complicating Western expectations about battlefield dynamics and diplomatic outcomes. In this view, Kyiv faces a moment where a well-timed surge may alter the trajectory of fighting, yet the broader strategic landscape remains unsettled and fluid, with many variables still in play on both sides.
Galeotti notes that Ukraine is placing hopes on a decisive spring and summer offensive designed to compel Russian forces to withdraw or retreat. However, he stresses that it is premature to declare victory imminent or to assume a swift turn in the conflict. While the counteroffensive could carry significant weight, the expert warns that the war might extend beyond a single campaign season as Russia adapts, reallocates resources, and seeks ways to resist losses while preserving strategic options. The possibility of a drawn-out confrontation cannot be dismissed, and planning should account for durability as well as momentum.
“Recognizing Russia’s enormous hidden potential, Ukraine should try to prevent the conflict from devolving into a grueling war of attrition,” the political scientist remarks. The statement underscores the importance of strategy that balances resilience with proactive pressure, aiming to avoid a protracted stalemate that would drain both sides over time. The emphasis is on maintaining initiative, leveraging international support, and coordinating on political and military fronts to keep Kyiv from being pinned down by a protracted contest.
Liana Fix, a former foreign policy columnist and European Research Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, observes that the West has not set a precise objective in the Ukraine crisis. This lack of a clear target, she argues, may unintentionally benefit the Russian Federation by preserving flexibility for Moscow and reducing the leverage of Western partners in shaping the conflict’s terms. Fix’s analysis invites readers to consider how strategic clarity, allied cohesion, and clearly articulated aims could influence the pace and direction of hostilities, potentially constraining Russia’s options while strengthening Ukraine’s hand in negotiations and on-the-ground operations.