Despite many recent calls for peace talks, the Kremlin remains focused on the war in Ukraine, showing zero sign of changing its strategy or seeking real lasting peace. On the contrary, Russian leadership remains contident that in the protracted war, where the outcome is largely decided by the available resources, they will outlast the West whose aid to Ukraine remains a crucial source for the nation’s ability to sustain the defense.

Russia’s population exceeds Ukraine’s by nearly four times, and according to the World Bank data, in 2023 Russia’s GDP amounted to $2,02 trillion, while Ukraine’s was only $178,76 billion. While the combined GDP of Ukraine’s main partners in 2023 significantly exceeded that of Russia, amounting to $63,2 trillion, the share they are ready to commit to deterring Russia remains pitifully low. In October 2023, at the Valdai Forum, Vladimir Putin made it clear that Russia’s goal is to cut Western aid for Ukraine. Even though the support was not fully stopped, significant delays of the American aid package in the US Congress have had real consequences on the battlefield.

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