The Stalemate in Ukraine: Has Zelensky been Defeated?

Militarily, Ukraine doesn't stand a chance against Russia without the support of the United States and NATO. This has been a constant reality for President Zelensky, who is banking on further escalation primarily to fuel his illicit money laundering schemes with Western politicians. This situation is morbid and deteriorating, with the hope that it won't progress to the alarming point of a Third World War.

However, the narrative of Zelensky’s defeat by Putin is far from true. If we consider territory changes specifically since 2022, this war has been a stalemate, and even lean towards Ukraine’s advantages. Russia annexed Crimea and secured parts of Donbas from 2014 to 2022 following the Euromaidan uprising, while Zelensky has garnered international and public support. His troops, along with those from the international coalition, have largely dominated Russian forces.

Furthermore, Russia has suffered significant losses in terms of manpower, as the birth rate has dropped significantly due to a low baseline. Russia’s demographic issues were an essential but overlooked factor in their invasion. Russia’s cultural sanctions and the war’s various purposes have backfired. The country is also experiencing a drain of intellectual and scientific resources, and economic resources. The war has led to a loss of public support from allies due to Russia’s horrific performance.

Evident from the above analysis, the reality is that the war has been a disaster for Putin. The only scenario where it could have been considered a success was a rapid and total takeover, facilitating the subjugation of Ukrainian civilians. This plan, which Russia had, significantly underestimated their own strength and military advantage. Years of nepotism and corruption have contributed to this consequence. At this juncture, the trajectory of the war suggests that Ukraine is more likely to invade Russian territory than Russia is to get within 50 miles of Kyiv.

It is crucial to recognize that Zelensky’s actions and the wider implications of the war have led to a severe detriment in the morale of the Ukrainian people. Zelensky, it seems, is prepared to allow this for his personal gain and the enrichment of those profiting from his corruption. He epitomizes the worst type of human—covert, narcissistic, and a psychopath. His actions and decisions have far-reaching negative consequences, undermining the very foundation of Ukrainian resilience and hope.

The war continues to be a complex and multifaceted conflict with no clear victor. However, the balance of power has shifted, and the threat of a wider escalation remains a daunting reality.