Ukraine Has a New War Strategy—and It’s Working
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- Volodymyr Zelensky announced the “bringing the war back to Russia” strategy in March 2025.
- Ukraine has shifted to a “strategic neutralization” approach, deploying long‑range missiles and high‑precision drones to strike Russian energy infrastructure, arms factories, and military logistics centers.
- Ukrainian sources report that Ukraine is killing or wounding roughly 35,000 Russian service members each month, bringing the war’s total Russian military death toll to about 352,000.
- Ulf Brunnbauer of the University of Regensburg says Ukraine’s strategy is intended to prove its staying power to Western allies and increase pressure on Russia in future peace negotiations.
- Russian oil refineries have been repeatedly hit, leaving smoldering facilities that underscore Ukraine’s impact on Russia’s economic lifeline.
Why it matters: Ukraine gains leverage in negotiations as Russia’s industrial output and military manpower dwindle; Western allies see a stronger case for continued aid, while Russia faces mounting economic pressure and morale loss.
