Mart Kuldkepp: Ukraine seizes military initiative

Historian and columnist Mart Kuldkepp argues that for the first time since the successful 2022 counteroffensive, Ukraine has begun to seize military initiative. This pivotal development elicits complex emotions.

Historian and columnist Mart Kuldkepp writes that a significant turning point is unfolding in the Ukraine-Russia war – military initiative is shifting toward Ukraine. Such a development is remarkable, as nothing similar has been seen since the successful 2022 counteroffensive.

In Kuldkepp's assessment, the current situation draws parallels to that period when Ukraine managed to surprise its adversary and gain strategic advantage. Now a similar process may be underway, one that could prove pivotal to the entire course of the conflict.

Yet Kuldkepp emphasizes that the situation that has emerged does not generate only positive emotions. The shift in military dynamics raises complex questions about future developments, risks and possible consequences – and these questions have no simple answers.