Daily Flyer - June 8, 2025
A voice of Ukraine to the West
Putin's Strategy: Banking on Ukraine's Exhaustion in Prolonged War
According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian President Vladimir Putin is pursuing a strategy that hinges on wearing down Ukraine through prolonged conflict, hoping to exhaust its resources, morale, and capacity to resist. The ISW report suggests that Putin believes extending the war will lead to Ukrainian fatigue, both militarily and societally, thereby creating opportunities for Russian advances without requiring significant battlefield victories. This approach comes as Russia faces its own challenges, including economic strain and military losses, which Putin appears to be downplaying in favor of a long-term attrition strategy.
The ISW notes that Ukraine’s resilience, bolstered by Western military aid, remains a critical factor in countering this strategy. Continued support, including advanced weaponry and financial assistance, could disrupt Putin’s calculations by enabling Ukraine to sustain its defense and potentially shift the momentum of the conflict. The report emphasizes that Ukraine’s ability to maintain its fighting spirit and secure consistent international backing will be pivotal in thwarting Russia’s hopes of victory through exhaustion. Recent discussions on X align with this analysis, with some users highlighting that Putin’s reliance on Ukrainian fatigue reflects his own strategic limitations, as Russia struggles to achieve decisive gains. Others point out that delays or reductions in Western aid could play into Putin’s hands, underscoring the importance of sustained international support for Ukraine.
The ISW assessment concludes that while Putin’s strategy is calculated, it is not guaranteed to succeed, particularly if Ukraine continues to receive robust external assistance and maintains its determination to resist.