No Change in Russia’s War Aims, Says British Analyst—Conflict Will Continue

James Sherr Breaks Down the Ukraine Situation

According to Главком: According to James Sherr, a senior fellow at the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute’s Security and Defense Center, the war in Ukraine is set to drag on because Moscow has not altered its objectives. Speaking to Glavcom after the Kyiv Security Forum held on April 23–24, he noted that credible experts agree the conflict will persist. Sherr stated that

“Ukraine lacks the manpower to fight the kind of war Russia is waging. But it has other strengths.”

In his view, Ukraine’s challenge isn’t ending the war-it’s stripping Russia of the ability to achieve its military and political goals.

Sherr also took aim at Donald Trump’s administration for pressuring Kyiv, its unpredictability, and its military confrontation with Iran. He urged Europe and Ukraine to boost their independence and rely on a coalition of determined nations rather than the United States.

“I believe there is a coalition in Europe trying to help Ukraine... It is getting stronger,”

the analyst said. He stressed the need to build a system that ensures Russia cannot repeat an act of aggression like the one seen in Ukraine.

Defense Startups and Support for Ukraine

Sherr praised Germany’s defense startup scene, noting that 300 new companies in this sector have emerged there over the past two years. He also commended Estonian intelligence, calling it “extremely professional.” In Ukraine, Sherr argued, it is crucial to strengthen defensive positions and rely on domestic resources, adding that “Zelenskyy understands this perfectly.”

For context:

• The EU Council approved a €90 billion support package for Ukraine over two years.
• On April 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a new sanctions package.
• Estonia, with a population of 1.37 million, shows a high level of defense readiness: 70% of its people are willing to take part in defending the country.
• Estonia’s system aims to mobilize 45,000 people within 24 hours.

Sherr emphasized that

“Russia must understand that the consequences of any attack will be devastating,”

highlighting the importance of international support for Ukraine amid ongoing aggression.

James Sherr’s remarks underscore the pressing challenges Ukraine faces in a protracted war and the need to bolster its own defense capabilities. The country not only requires backing from global partners but must also focus on developing internal resources and defense capacities. Embracing new technologies and defense startups, as seen in Germany, could become a key part of Ukraine’s future protection strategy.

As the conflict continues, Ukraine is actively building strategic security partnerships that extend from the Baltic to the Black Sea, fundamentally reshaping Europe’s defense landscape. This development is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the ongoing war and how it influences regional stability. For a deeper insight into Ukraine's efforts in forging these alliances, you can read more about Ukraine's evolving security collaborations.