Ukraine must define its strategic goal as partners lack a clear vision

Following the collapse of recent negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict, experts are questioning what Ukraine’s next strategic objective should be and what it aims to achieve in terms of military support. Alina Frolova, Coordinator of the Crimea Platform Expert Network Security Track and Deputy Chairperson of the Centre for Defence Strategies, raised the issue during the Fourth International Forum of the International Crimea Platform Expert Network. 

“Every military knows that an operation begins with a clear definition of objectives. You allocate resources based on the goal,” Frolova said. “That’s why the slogan ‘we will give as much as needed’ signals the absence of a strategic goal. russia will not stop fighting. Any truce is conditional at best. The war will continue until Putin’s regime changes. There may be a window of opportunity, but it is limited.”

Frolova suggested that Ukraine’s strategic aim could involve the functional defeat of russia across multiple domains, citing successes in maritime operations as an example.

“We have clarity in the air domain, in terms of air defense and deterrence against enemy aircraft. On the ground, particularly in infantry engagements, we are potentially at a disadvantage. We must define how to achieve a strategic neutralization of russia. Only by gaining control over each component can we then engage our partners in discussions about recovery,” she explained.

The expert stressed the importance of framing Ukraine’s struggle within the broader European security and defense context. “Everything happening in Ukraine must be integrated into Europe’s security strategy. Ukraine is part of European defense, and this must be clearly reflected in the actions taken,” Frolova said.

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