Only Putin on the world stage can be called a madman, former Ukraine envoy to Japan says

Colonial Wars Today and the Geopolitical Stakes

According to ХВИЛЯ: Speaking on Yuriy Romanenko's YouTube channel, Serhiy Korsunsky-Ukraine's former ambassador to Japan-said no one can win a modern colonial-style war. His remarks add to ongoing debates about the changing nature of conflict and great-power rivalry. In his view, no country has the human, financial, or economic reserves to pursue one; even China is not interested in colonial expansion, concentrating instead on Taiwan. He added that Turkey and Israel are mainly focused on securing their own living space rather than making conquests.

Korsunsky stressed that Putin is the only leader who truly expects to destroy Ukraine's economy and bring the country under his control.

“360 years of history have taught this madman nothing.” - Serhiy Korsunsky

He cited General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine data indicating that, by late August 2026, Russia's manpower losses had approached 1.48 million, with daily casualties running from 1,200 to 1,500. Russia has also lost more than 48,000 artillery systems.

Wild Cards in the Global Order

Korsunsky also argued that Putin cannot be reached with rational arguments, meaning he will have to be stopped by means other than persuasion. The former ambassador described the United States and China as the two hegemons, with North Korea as a third 'crazy' player. These remarks, published by the outlet Khvylia, have prompted discussion among experts and the broader public about today's geopolitical challenges.

His comments highlight how complex the current geopolitical landscape has become, with traditional colonial logic yielding to new forms of influence and competition over resources. In an era of global instability and multiple conflicts, the ambassador's point that major powers like China and the US are pursuing their own strategic interests may reflect a deeper shift in world politics. The grave situation in Ukraine and the continuing Russian threat remain central concerns for the international community, demanding close attention and a well-calibrated response.

In this context, it's important to consider how external influences shape the dynamics of the conflict. As noted by a Polish analyst, the duration of Putin’s military engagement may heavily rely on Xi Jinping's strategic decisions. This relationship underscores the interconnectedness of global powers and the implications for Ukraine's future amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.