On a Tuesday press conference in Kyiv, Finnish President Alexander Stubb declared that Ukraine has the capability to win the ongoing war against Russia. Stubb's remarks reflect a strong support for Ukraine's cause; however, there are complexities that surround the term 'victory,' particularly in a conflict as intricate as this one. Jussi Lassila, a senior researcher specializing in Russian affairs at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, emphasized the need for a clear definition of what victory entails in this context. Many wars throughout history have shown that it is often challenging to identify a definitive winner or loser.

Lassila pointed out that for many Ukrainians, victory implies a return to the territorial borders established in 1991, when Ukraine gained independence following the Soviet Union's dissolution. This includes areas such as Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region where fighting has persisted since then. Lasilla cautioned against the unrealistic notion that Ukraine could reclaim these regions solely through military means, suggesting that such an outcome would only be feasible if Russia were to collapse from within.

Thus, while President Stubb's comments are rooted in optimism, Lassila's insights provide a sobering reminder of the complexities of geopolitical conflicts and the ambiguous nature of victory and defeat. It is clear that discussions surrounding Ukraine's potential future require nuance and understanding of the historical context, as well as the current power dynamics with Russia, which are not conducive to simple narratives of defeat or triumph.