Russia's empty threats: a series of failures and miscalculations

Global Watch | 2025-06-27

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, claiming that "the whole of Ukraine is ours" in theory, have reignited global scrutiny of Moscow's ambitions and its ongoing war in Ukraine.

While Kremlin rhetoric seeks to project strength and inevitability, the reality of Russia's campaign reveals a series of strategic failures, international isolation and growing skepticism about the sustainability of its objectives.

The illusion of unity

Kremlin assertions that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people" comprise a narrative that has been repeatedly rejected by Ukraine and its allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently emphasized the distinct identity and sovereignty of Ukraine, dismissing Kremlin claims as a thinly veiled justification for aggression.

The notion of unity, when juxtaposed with the devastation wrought by Russian forces, rings hollow. Instead of fostering any semblance of solidarity, Moscow's actions have deepened the divide between the two nations and solidified Ukraine's will to resist.

Territorial ambitions and strategic failures

Russia's control of approximately one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of several regions, is often touted by Moscow as evidence of its military success. However, this fragmented occupation has come at a tremendous cost. The initial invasion in 2022, which many analysts predicted would end in a swift victory, has instead devolved into a protracted conflict marked by logistical challenges, high casualties and fierce Ukrainian resistance.

The Kremlin's suggestion that Russian forces could take the city of Sumy to create a buffer zone underscores the Kremlin's inability to achieve its broader objectives. Rather than securing decisive victories, Russia has been forced to recalibrate its ambitions repeatedly, settling for incremental gains that fail to justify the immense human and economic toll of the war.

International isolation, disdain for peace

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's condemnation of Putin's remarks as "complete disdain for US peace efforts" highlights the growing frustration among global leaders. While the United States and other nations have called for an immediate end to the conflict, Russia's leadership continues to prioritize territorial expansion over diplomacy.

This approach has left Moscow increasingly isolated on the world stage. Sanctions, diplomatic rebukes and military aid to Ukraine have strengthened the resolve of Western nations to counter Russian aggression. The Kremlin's insistence on framing its actions as defensive -- such as carving out buffer zones -- fails to mask the reality of its offensive posture and the destruction it has unleashed.

A war of attrition

Zelenskyy's nightly address of June 20, in which he described Russia's plans for the Sumy region as "completely mad as always," encapsulates the absurdity of Moscow's strategy. The war has become a grinding conflict of attrition, with Russia struggling to maintain momentum and Ukraine steadfastly defending its territory.

The idea that "where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours," as Putin put it, is increasingly being challenged by the resilience of Ukrainian forces and the support of international allies. Each step taken by Russian soldiers has been met with fierce resistance, undermining the Kremlin's narrative of inevitability and exposing the fragility of its ambitions.

The cost of arrogance

The Kremlin's rhetoric may aim to project strength, but it ultimately reveals the weaknesses and failures of Russia's campaign in Ukraine. The notion of "complete disdain" for peace efforts is not just a condemnation of Moscow's actions, it is a reflection of the broader consequences of its arrogance.

As the war drags on, the world is reminded that threats and bravado cannot mask the reality of failure. Russia's ambitions in Ukraine have not only faltered but have also galvanized a global response that underscores the resilience of sovereignty and the futility of aggression.

Examination of the rhetoric and actions of the Kremlin makes clear that the path forward lies not in empty threats or territorial claims but in genuine efforts to achieve peace -- a prospect that remains elusive as long as Moscow clings to its illusions of grandeur.