The article, written by Baiba Braze, the Foreign Minister of Latvia, reflects on the ongoing war initiated by Russia against Ukraine, now entering its fifth year. It highlights the technological advancements and increased lethality of the conflict, with nightly missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and Russia using the harsh winter as a tactic against its adversaries. Despite these pressures, Braze asserts that Russia's military objectives are not being achieved, with evidence that its economy is in decline and military losses are unprecedented.

As reported by reputable sources like the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Russian troops have faced staggering casualties—approximately 1.2 million since February 2022—making this one of the most costly conflicts for a major power since World War II. The minimal territorial advances of Russian forces, often limited to just a few meters per day, underscore their strategic failures and reflect broader systemic issues within their military infrastructure and command.

Braze warns against the normalization of relations with Russia, suggesting that accepting any semblance of normalcy could enable future aggressions and disregard the suffering endured by Ukraine. The article serves as a clarion call for the international community to recognize the stark realities on the ground, ensuring that the Kremlin's failures are acknowledged, and Ukraine's fight for sovereignty remains supported without compromise.