How Putin has spectacularly failed and been left humiliated by Ukraine

OPINION

When Vladimir Putin launched his so-called “special military operation” against Ukraine three years ago, he imagined a swift and simple coup: a three-day blitz that would see his troops rolling triumphantly into Kyiv, decapitating the Ukrainian leadership, and installing a pliant puppet government under Moscow’s thumb. In his mind’s eye, there was little room for resistance, no expectation of a protracted struggle, and certainly no anticipation of the fierce Ukrainian spirit that would soon emerge.

From the outset, Putin’s strategy was built on grand assumptions. He presumed that Ukraine’s government and military would collapse like a house of cards under the pressure of Russian might. His plan hinged on rapid domination - capture or even elimination of President Zelensky and his key advisers - followed by a seamless takeover that would, in theory, leave little room for the Ukrainian people to rally. But nothing could have prepared him for the indomitable will of a nation that refused to yield.

The harsh reality hit Russia hard and fast. Instead of an easy victory, Moscow found itself mired in a conflict that evolved into a brutal, grinding war reminiscent of the trench warfare of World War I. The initial phase of the operation, intended to be a brief incursion, quickly degenerated into an extended military quagmire. The anticipated “lightning success” turned into a series of miscalculations and strategic blunders, revealing major intelligence failures and a glaring underestimation of Ukraine’s resilience.

At every turn, Russian forces encountered a level of resistance that defied expectations. Ukrainian soldiers, bolstered by a populace galvanized by patriotism and a deep-seated desire for independence, turned back the invaders time and again. What had been envisioned as a swift, low-casualty operation spiralled into a bloody stalemate, where each inch of territory had to be fiercely contested, and every small gain was hard-won at an enormous cost.

Central to Ukraine’s unexpected resistance was the figure of President Volodymyr Zelensky - a man whose journey from comedian and television personality to wartime leader captured the imagination of an entire nation. Dismissed initially as an unlikely candidate for the presidency, Zelensky quickly proved that his unorthodox background was no impediment to decisive leadership in times of crisis. His ability to communicate a message of defiance, hope, and unity has been a driving force in mobilising the Ukrainian people against overwhelming odds.

Zelensky’s leadership has come to embody the spirit of Ukraine itself: resourceful, unyielding, and determined. His bold public addresses and relentless pursuit of international support have transformed him into a symbol of resistance, proving that sometimes it takes a true maverick to stand up to an entrenched authoritarian regime. His actions have not only rallied the Ukrainian military and civilian population but also garnered significant backing from Western nations, who see Ukraine’s struggle as emblematic of a larger fight for democratic values and national sovereignty.

As the conflict grinds on, a new crisis has emerged on the international stage. In a move that many view as an opportunistic pivot, the current U.S. administration - once a staunch supporter of Ukraine - has begun to introduce a transactional element into its policy. Reports indicate that American officials are now hinting at a quid pro quo arrangement, offering military aid in exchange for favourable terms on Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. This approach, laden with the whiff of coercion, threatens to undermine the solidarity that has been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s resistance.

Zelensky, ever the pragmatic leader, has so far resisted this overt pressure. His government remains adamant that Ukraine’s security and sovereignty cannot be compromised on the altar of short-term material gain. The American administration’s inconsistent stance - oscillating between firm support and cautious pragmatism - has only added to the complexity of Ukraine’s situation, forcing its leaders to navigate not only the battlefield but also the treacherous waters of international diplomacy.

Meanwhile, back on the front lines, the war has settled into a stalemate. Russian forces, despite capturing fragments of territory during the initial surge, have been slowly but steadily pushed back by Ukrainian defenders. The conflict has evolved into a grinding positional battle, where each side digs in, each trench becomes a symbol of resistance, and every inch of ground is fiercely contested. This prolonged engagement has exposed the limitations of Moscow’s military might and has forced a reappraisal of strategies that were once deemed infallible.

Today, as the war drags on with no clear victor in sight, one thing is indisputable: Putin’s original plan was fatally flawed. The audacity of his initial assumptions has been met with the unyielding determination of a nation unwilling to surrender its freedom. The Ukrainian people have shown that resilience, strategic acumen, and the leadership of an unlikely hero can turn the tide against even the most formidable adversaries.

In this high-stakes struggle, the West faces a crucial decision. There is a growing chorus of voices arguing that now is the time for a more decisive confrontation with Putin’s Russia. Only by standing firm and playing hardball can the international community hope to check further Russian aggression. Moreover, many experts contend that Ukraine’s long-term security hinges on its integration into NATO - a move that would not only cement its independence but also serve as a clear signal to Moscow that its ambitions will not be tolerated.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath. The stakes are immense, and the outcome remains uncertain. Yet one truth has become abundantly clear: what began as a swift and simple military operation has transformed into a long, gruelling battle that is testing the very limits of human endurance and political resolve. The war in Ukraine is not just a clash of armies - it is a struggle for the soul of a nation and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.