Breaking python’s grip: How Ukraine can escape Putin’s war of attritio

It’s often said that Vladimir Putin likes to frame Russia’s well-known "bulldozer" strategy as the “python strategy.”

Its essence is simple: by dragging Russian forces into a prolonged war of attrition, Russia hopes to outlast and ultimately defeat Ukraine. Russian calculations are based on the assumption that Ukraine will soon be caught in the perfect storm:

• The mobilization system will be unable to replenish battlefield losses (Putin recently cited this as a given);
• Continued terror attacks on rear cities will drain the population’s will to resist;
• Strikes on industrial and energy infrastructure will cripple Ukraine’s production capacity;
• The West will grow more inward-focused, while Russia’s fifth column intensifies pressure and influence over elections, gradually eroding Western support;
• Relentless pressure on the front—regardless of losses—will create the impression that territorial losses are inevitable, paving the way for actual breakthroughs.

The simplicity of this strategy gives the Kremlin confidence in its success. And that confidence is further reinforced by Ukraine’s current political trajectory: at every turn, its leadership seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

Kyiv has practically ruined relations with its key ally—the United States—and has struggled to move other alliances from words to tangible arms deliveries. At home, the government chases applause rather than results. Instead of uniting all available resources and talent, President Zelensky, his chief of staff Yermak, and their “managers” are working to monopolize power.

• They’ve tried to turn former president Petro Poroshenko into a cautionary tale of failed resistance.
• They’re creating an atmosphere of fear and inaction within the military.
• They’re seeking direct control over local resources, likely to divert them.
• They dominate all major communication channels—especially Telegram.
• They’re forcing businesses into loyalty schemes and stifling any form of opposition.

Such a system suffocates Ukraine’s most active citizens—and directly feeds into Putin’s “python.” A society stripped of energy, forced into obedience, risks losing the will, the numbers, and the purpose to fight. History has seen this before.

Many indicators suggest the critical moment will come this fall. When exhaustion at the front, supply shortages, and foreign policy failures combine into that “perfect storm,” Ukraine’s current leadership may no longer be able to manage the crisis.

So, the question is: how do we break the python’s grip before it tightens too far?

1. Reform the mobilization system

Russia sees mobilization as Ukraine’s weak spot—and is making systematic efforts to disrupt it. Yet instead of solving concrete problems, Ukrainian authorities have pushed the issue deeper into crisis, distancing themselves from this unpopular topic.

But even simple solutions can yield quick results:

• Streamlining the draft process (in coordination with employers, based on a “serve smart” principle where everyone contributes fairly);
• Allowing families access to training centers;
• Creating feedback systems to report rights violations;
• Establishing clear protocols for training, assigning troops, setting service terms, and meeting basic supply standards.

This also includes proper fortifications to save lives, equipping positions with drones and other tech.

The key is not to dodge the problems—but to solve them.

2. Shift the economy to a wartime footing: cut exploitation, prioritize military needs

“Wartime economy” will remain a slogan as long as fulfilling defense contracts is treated like a punishment—due to hyper-regulation and resulting corruption.

Attracting private Western investment must become the cornerstone of long-term assistance and a strategic partnership lasting decades.

A truly war-ready economy should be measured by Ukraine’s ability to turn Russia’s cities into targets—not once a quarter, but daily. If Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Odesa lose sleep over air raid sirens, the next sleepless night should belong to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod—even Novosibirsk and Tobolsk. Night after night. Until they stop shelling Ukrainian cities—or until Russia’s refineries and infrastructure collapse.

3. Funding must go directly to brigades

Decisions on purchasing drones, equipment, and tech solutions must be delegated to frontline units.

Meanwhile, the role of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry for Strategic Industries, and other relevant agencies and enterprises should be focused on standardizing, scaling, and distributing successful innovations—along with maintaining quality control.

There’s more than enough work for everyone. The key is that each player does their part.

4. Sanctions leadership + a diplomatic hub

All necessary measures must be taken to create real economic consequences for Russia. This includes everything from shutting down the Druzhba oil pipeline to ramping up joint task forces with partners to block sanctions evasion routes.

To expand sanctions pressure, everyone with influence and connections must be involved—from Petro Poroshenko to experts and business leaders. A “Diplomatic Hub” should be operating 24/7, engaging decision-makers, particularly in the United States.

5. A serious conversation

Ukraine’s information policy must undergo a total reset. Instead of sweet-talking the public, the government must have a serious conversation with its citizens—not fear-mongering, but clear communication on how known problems are being addressed.

Instead of attacking Poroshenko and praising Zelenskyy, official channels and pro-government Telegram accounts should be explaining how mobilization issues are being solved, how the army is being supplied, and how new technologies are being deployed.

The average Ukrainian’s news feed shouldn’t glorify the ruling party—it should give people confidence that they’re being heard and that their problems are acknowledged and being resolved.

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None of this requires astronomical budgets. What’s needed is political will—and a team of people who can actually deliver results.

That’s why a National Salvation Government is needed—not one based on loyalty, but on competence. A government capable of helping Ukraine break free from the python’s coils and tear it to pieces until it’s dead.

So far, the current leadership has shown zero interest in such a path. It continues to act too slowly, and when it does act, the result is mediocre at best—while Ukraine loses people, land, and precious time.

The bulldozer moves forward. The python tightens its grip. It’s time to rethink the policy direction.

Source

About the author. Rostyslav Pavlenko, Ukrainian politician, political scientist, political technologist, teacher. People's Deputy of Ukraine of the 9th convocation

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.