Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, on Tuesday unveiled a three-pronged plan aimed at compelling Russia to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. The initiative, presented as a strategy to “force Russia into peace,” focuses on bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, increasing the cost of the war for Russia in terms of manpower, and targeting Moscow’s economic resources.
The first element of the plan centers on securing Ukraine’s airspace. Fedorov stated that protecting the civilian population and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks is the primary objective. This comes as Russia continues to launch missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting energy facilities and urban centers.
The second component of the strategy involves escalating the attrition rate of Russian forces on the ground, at sea, and in the cyber domain. According to Fedorov, Russia currently suffers an average of 156 casualties for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory held in the Donetsk region. Ukraine intends to raise this ratio to 200 Russian soldiers lost for each square kilometer, effectively increasing the human cost of the war for Moscow. This suggests a deliberate strategy to exploit perceived Russian vulnerabilities and inflict unsustainable losses.
The final pillar of the plan focuses on economic pressure. Fedorov explained that the war will continue as long as Russia has the financial means to fund its military operations, pay its contract soldiers, and sustain its propaganda efforts. He identified oil revenues as the primary source of funding for these activities, implying a need for continued and potentially intensified international sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector.
Fedorov emphasized that each element of the plan is underpinned by concrete, measurable goals and expected outcomes. This suggests a shift towards a more data-driven and results-oriented approach to the conflict, moving beyond broad strategic objectives to specific, achievable targets.
The announcement comes as the war enters its fourth year, with peace negotiations remaining stalled. While sporadic talks have taken place, fundamental disagreements persist over key issues, including the status of occupied territories and security guarantees for Ukraine. According to reports from February 24, 2026, despite claims from former U.S. President Donald Trump of a potential peace deal being “close to 95% done,” significant obstacles remain.
These obstacles include the future of the Donbas region, the nature of post-war security arrangements for Ukraine, and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Sources close to the Ukrainian government have indicated that Russia has not agreed to any of these critical points, and there is little indication of a willingness to compromise.
The Ukrainian “Victory Plan,” unveiled in October 2024 by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, provides broader context for Fedorov’s announcement. The Victory Plan encompasses five points: geopolitical, defense, deterrence, economic, and postwar safety. While details of the second, third, and fourth points remain classified, shared only with leaders from the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, the plan’s overall aim is to fundamentally alter the circumstances of the conflict and compel Russia to seek peace. A key component of the Victory Plan is Ukraine’s aspiration for NATO membership, a condition that remains a major point of contention with Russia.
The current situation reflects a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. The Russo-Ukrainian war has triggered a significant realignment of security architecture in Europe, with increased attention focused on strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and providing support to Ukraine. The conflict has also had far-reaching economic consequences, disrupting global supply chains and contributing to rising energy prices.
The ongoing peace negotiations, as documented since 2022, have been marked by periods of optimism and setbacks. Previous attempts at mediation, such as the Minsk agreements, ultimately failed to achieve a lasting resolution. The current round of talks faces similar challenges, with both sides holding firm to their core demands.
Fedorov’s plan represents a renewed effort by Ukraine to shift the dynamics of the conflict and create conditions favorable to a negotiated settlement. By focusing on concrete objectives and measurable outcomes, Ukraine aims to demonstrate its resolve and increase the pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. However, the success of this strategy will depend on continued international support for Ukraine and a willingness by Russia to compromise on its key demands.
The announcement also comes amid ongoing discussions about the potential role of the United States in brokering a peace deal. President Trump’s recent statements suggest a desire to bring the conflict to a swift conclusion, but the complexities of the situation and the deep-seated disagreements between the parties suggest that a resolution will not be easily achieved.
