Part 5/9:
Russia's approach to the conflict underscores an obsession with achieving decisive military success. Analysts suggest that Russia views a visible victory—an operational breakthrough or territorial gains—as essential to justifying continued aggression. Without such a victory, officials believe the war's end could be politically and diplomatically too painful to accept.
In Moscow, the sentiment is that "ending the war without a clear victory" is unlikely. Many in the Russian capital regard the war as a zero-sum game, where only a tangible military outcome can legitimize their actions. This perspective explains why the chances of Moscow agreeing to an immediate ceasefire are minimal, with many experts considering Putin unlikely to concede prematurely.