Expert Opinions on How Ukraine Could Secure Victory in the Conflict
Ukraine is bolstering its capacity to resist and eventually prevail against Russia, thanks to a strategic shift that involves increased Western support, leveraging frozen Russian assets, and implementing critical changes to its defense capabilities, industrial base, and economic resilience.
Europe is playing a pivotal role in this transformation by accelerating Ukraine's integration into economic and security frameworks such as the EU single market and NATO-related defense initiatives. This integration not only facilitates the rapid development of Ukraine's infrastructure and defense industry but also boosts regional economic ties. Moreover, a European security presence near Ukraine serves as a deterrent against further aggression.
In 2025, NATO allies pledged £4.5 billion ($6.18 billion) of military assistance, the largest commitment to date, which includes advanced air defense systems like ASRAAM missiles tailored for Ukrainian use, and mass drone production to strengthen reconnaissance and counter-drone capabilities. This sustained aid enables Ukraine to counter Russian offensives, particularly missile and drone attacks on cities.
Western countries are also proposing to use frozen Russian funds to finance Ukrainian defense needs. For instance, the UK has already expended £70 million from seized Russian assets to procure 350 advanced air-to-air missiles. This innovative financial mechanism supplements direct military aid and reduces Ukraine's dependency on US support, which is projected to decrease.
In terms of specific measures, Ukraine's defense industry is being supported to produce essential military hardware such as air and sea drones, ammunition, and combat platforms. Long-term public-private partnerships are being fostered to integrate Ukraine into the European defense technological base. The strategy also aims to mitigate the impact of potential cuts in US military aid by developing alternatives for critical systems like air and missile defense, intelligence, targeting, and secure communications.
Infrastructure development is another key focus area. Accelerated infrastructure projects focused on transport, energy, and border connectivity are being prioritized to boost Ukraine's economy and facilitate regional integration. Rapid physical and energy integration with Europe, including investment in green energy and critical power infrastructure, is being pursued, independent of Ukraine's EU accession timeline. Market access is also being enhanced by integrating Ukraine into the EU single market for industrial products and some agricultural goods, thereby boosting economic resilience.
Together, these strategic changes, enhanced military support, and innovative financial mechanisms enable Ukraine not only to defend effectively against Russian offensives but also to build a sustainable foundation for long-term security and economic stability, crucial to winning the conflict. The new strategy involves boosting production of high-quality drones, air defense systems, and long-range missiles, and emphasizes the need for a more active and thoughtful defense, providing strong, technologically advanced resistance to Russian forces. International support for Ukraine should include not only weapons deliveries but also joint production agreements to bolster its internal capabilities. The strategy also includes significant investments in Ukraine's defense industry and the widespread use of modern weapons like precision missiles and drones.
Politics and general news feature discussions about Ukraine's strategic shift in defense, which involves increased support from Western countries, the use of frozen Russian assets to finance defense needs, and the development of Ukraine's own defense industry for long-term security. In this transformation, European integration plays a crucial role, facilitating rapid development of Ukraine's infrastructure and defense industry, boosting regional economic ties, and serving as a deterrent against further aggression.
