The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its fourth year, with indications that it may extend further. Despite advancing on a village-by-village basis, Russia has not captured significant urban centers, which raises questions about the effectiveness of its military strategy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated the objective of reclaiming traditional Russian territories, including Donbass and 'New Russia', indicating that Moscow is not inclined to pursue peace until these goals are fulfilled.

Internally, the Kremlin seems to calculate that the continuation of the conflict serves its interests, both domestically and in its foreign policy. The Russian leadership appears to believe that if it were to cease military operations now, it could trigger doubts about its authority and legitimacy. Essentially, the war has, for now, become a tool for maintaining control within Russia, distracting from internal issues while projecting strength abroad.

In light of these considerations, a quick resolution to the war appears unlikely, with many analysts believing that patience on the part of Russia is necessary. As the situation remains fluid and the dynamics of the conflict evolve, the implications of this drawn-out engagement could have far-reaching consequences for both Ukraine and the wider geopolitical landscape in Europe.