Moscow – President Vladimir Putin’s declaration that Russia holds the “complete strategic initiative” in Ukraine, coupled with claims of major territorial gains, is being interpreted as a declaration of victory in the making.
The announcement that nearly 5,000 square kilometers have been seized in 2025 was made to his top military commanders, framing the war as a successful operation that is entering a new, dominant phase for Russia. The term “strategic initiative” implies that Russia, not Ukraine, is now dictating the future of the conflict.
From this proclaimed position of dominance, Putin has also issued an ultimatum to the United States. He warned that providing Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” and would destroy their bilateral relationship.
This narrative of inevitable victory is being challenged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His accusations that Russia is resorting to using its oil tanker fleet for espionage suggest that the war is far from a simple, conventional conquest.
Zelenskyy’s vow to work with allies to stop these alleged covert actions shows a determination to continue the fight, regardless of Putin’s declarations, making any claims of a final victory premature.