Russia adopts long-term strategy for war in Ukraine

Russia is adopting a long-term military strategy in Ukraine, treating the conflict as a sustained operation rather than a short-term crisis. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and representative Rodion Miroshnik, have signaled that Moscow is prepared for prolonged military operations and is not seeking immediate peace agreements.

Vladimir Putin has indicated that military expenditures will remain a federal budget priority at least through 2029. Russia's stated demands for peace include the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, recognition of these regions and Crimea as Russian territory, and Ukraine's abandonment of NATO membership.

In response to the ongoing aggression, some European officials are pushing for stricter measures. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has joined a call by ten other EU member states to the European Commission to tighten Schengen visa issuance for Russian citizens. Proponents of the measure argue that it is contradictory for Russian tourists to enjoy European vacations while missiles and drones continue to strike Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.