Long-range strikes: how Ukraine is undermining Russia’s power, bringing war closer to end

But the truth is, Russia has shown no genuine interest in negotiations. The Kremlin, through figures like Dmitry Medvedev, has openly called for Ukraine’s capitulation. Everyone understands this — perhaps everyone except Donald Trump. Putin will only consider ending the war when continuing it threatens his own survival.

That’s why two goals are critical for Ukraine:

1. To wear down Russia’s long-term capacity to wage war.
2. To undermine Russia’s image as a powerful, invulnerable military force.

Strikes on strategic targets — like the reported destruction of over 13 long-range bombers, core elements of Russia’s nuclear triad that cannot be quickly replaced — represent more than just a 15–20% loss in operational aircraft. They expose Russia’s failure to protect its most valuable assets. These are not just tactical wins — they’re blows to Russian prestige that create momentum for greater international pressure.

Such operations also demonstrate the rapid evolution of Ukraine’s intelligence services (SBU, HUR). At the war’s outset, few believed Ukraine could plan and execute missions deep inside Russian territory with such sophistication. While mistakes are inevitable, the trend is clear: Ukraine is increasingly capable of taking the fight into Russia itself.

As for fears about provoking Russia or escalating the conflict — the argument doesn’t hold. Russia’s war is already total. Its brutal advances come at enormous cost, with the front line used as a tool for psychological terror against civilians from the very beginning. 

Ukraine cannot “provoke” an aggressor that already chose invasion. Blaming Ukrainian strikes for Russian attacks on civilians is nothing more than echoing Kremlin narratives. Every hit on a runway or bridge diminishes Russia’s ability to wage terror. The idea of “not provoking Putin” is a myth — he is the provocateur.

Russia relies on meat-grinder tactics. To deny it alternatives, Ukraine must destroy the technological assets that enable war. Striking the most advanced elements of Russia’s military is precisely the right move.

At this stage, Ukraine is not tasked with holding every inch of territory at all costs. There’s no ceasefire on the table — only demands for surrender. The real goal is to change Russia’s negotiating position. 

To do that, Ukraine must:

• Exhaust Russia’s economic and battlefield capabilities.
• Undermine the myth of Russian invincibility, triggering a chain reaction:
  → Prestige collapse
  → Greater Western pressure (sanctions, arms supplies)
  → Weakened Russia
  → Even more leverage for Ukraine

This pressure cycle worked until Trump’s election disrupted it. But today’s long-range strikes and Putin’s instability are reviving that dynamic. They prove Russia is not invincible — even Irkutsk is no safe haven. Even if “only” 13 aircraft were destroyed, for Western analysts, that’s a massive blow to both capacity and credibility.

So the path forward is clear: keep driving Russia into a spiral of reputational loss and intensifying pressure. Ukraine’s intermediate victory (preserving its sovereignty) and final victory (defeating the empire) depend on it.

The priorities now are:

• Use highly creative strikes to dismantle Russia’s strategic capabilities.
• Wear down its ground forces, even if it means temporary territorial losses.

With every bomber, bridge, and successful deep strike, Ukraine and Putin together are dismantling Russia’s imperial foundation. This Goliath will fall.

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About the author: Yuriy Bohdanov, publicist, specialist in strategic communications in business, public administration, and politics

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.