Despite Moscow's military failures and the loss of hundreds of thousands of soldiers in Ukraine, experts believe that the real challenge will emerge once the guns fall silent. According to an analysis by UNITED24 Media, there is a significant risk that Russia could evolve into a permanently aggressive state, suggesting that mere diplomatic efforts will not suffice. Europe is being urged to take proactive measures before Russia recovers from its economic shock and commences another round of aggression.

The ongoing Russian campaign in Ukraine has devolved into a bloody deadlock after years of conflict, with reports indicating that Russia lost an astonishing 480,000 soldiers, either killed or wounded, in 2025 alone. Given this tremendous cost, the Russian forces have only secured a negligible percentage of new territory. Edward Carr from The Economist has labeled Russia's summer offensive in 2025 as a total failure, marking a significant turning point in the war.

It is suggested that Russia is like a biblical colossus with feet of clay; while the Kremlin continues to send thousands of men to their deaths daily, its military and political objectives are crumbling. While a potential defeat of Russia could provide some respite, experts warn that it may not guarantee lasting peace, highlighting the urgency for Europe to devise effective strategies against a potentially re-emerging aggressor.