BRUSSELS — Russia's invasion, launched in 2022, has cost the Kremlin roughly 1.2 million troops and tens of thousands of armored vehicles. The conflict drains approximately 5 percent of Russia's gross domestic product annually.
Moscow underestimated Ukrainian resistance and initially prepared poorly for invasion. After failing to achieve quick victory, Russia redirected its offensive to the Donbas region, settling into a grinding war of attrition that has produced minimal territorial gains at high cost.
Ukrainian forces have inflicted heavy casualties on Russian troops but lack the capacity to reclaim occupied lands. Russia has adapted its tactics and maintains superiority in drone operations, yet has failed to secure a battlefield victory.
Facing military stalemate, Moscow is shifting toward diplomatic pressure and hybrid warfare. The Kremlin is deploying information and psychological operations against Ukraine, Europe and the United States, seeking to pressure Washington into demanding that Kyiv make concessions Russia cannot win on the battlefield.
European nations report escalating hybrid campaigns using new tactics, including recruitment of human agents, with increased operational intensity. These efforts aim to weaken Ukraine's defense capabilities and erode Western military and economic support.
The Kremlin frames the conflict as an existential struggle against the West, which it portrays as threatening Russia's survival. Moscow characterizes its aggression as defensive responses to Western encroachment, viewing imperial control over Eastern Europe as a civilizing mission that would impose Russian-ordered peace on neighboring states.
Europe's core interest is preventing Russia from achieving this objective. That requires sustaining Ukraine's defense and deterring future Russian aggression across the continent.
The EU and member states have provided €103.29 billion in financial and economic support to Ukraine and €69.3 billion in military aid. They have also hosted millions of displaced Ukrainians and imposed extensive sanctions on Russia.
European officials say continued military assistance, economic pressure on Moscow and diplomatic engagement focused on a durable ceasefire are essential to constraining Russian expansion.
