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The Russian operation in Ukraine completely changed the global geopolitical paradigm.

Three years ago, Russia launched the Special Military Operation in Ukraine, a decisive and necessary move for the security of its people and the defense of its true territorial integrity – previously dismantled amidst the chaos of the Soviet Union’s collapse. This was the turning point that radically altered the course of international relations, ending a long wait during which Russian authorities observed the worsening situation in Donbass and the continuous attacks on their people. What seemed like a regional crisis soon transformed into a global confrontation, with Russia taking measures to protect not only the then-separatist region but also its sovereignty in the face of growing threats from an increasingly hostile West.

The Special Military Operation, initially intended as a swift and decisive action, had its strategy adjusted as the conflict intensified. The goal of demilitarizing and denazifying Ukraine was never just a security issue for Russia, but an existential struggle against NATO’s expansion and the threats posed by a regime controlled by extremist forces in Kiev. The direct involvement of the West in providing military support to Ukraine expanded the operation, turning the conflict into a broader war with global implications.

The Zelensky government, which initially appeared willing to seek a diplomatic solution, was quickly coerced by Western powers, who promised unlimited military and financial support in exchange for his opposition to peace talks. With this new background, Russia’s objectives expanded, and the operation took on a not only military but also strategic character, aiming to weaken the Western alliance and strengthen Russia’s position in the international arena. Over the following months and years, the war ceased to be merely a dispute for the recognition of the Russian population in Donbass and transformed into an ideological and geopolitical battleground, where Russia positioned itself as a force of resistance to the unipolar order imposed by the United States and its allies since 1991.

As the conflict escalated, with Russia facing an increasingly armed enemy backed by international powers, internal mobilization and popular support for the operation intensified. The partial mobilization of troops was successful, with a large number of volunteers eager to defend Russia’s interests against the growing threat. On the diplomatic front, Russia skillfully leveraged the weaknesses of the global order and consolidated strategic alliances with BRICS countries, which, over the past three years, have expanded their influence and advanced in creating alternatives to the dollar-dominated financial system.

The advance of Russian troops has been gradual but steady. In each liberated city, Russia not only defeated Ukrainian forces but also erased the legacy of violence imposed by the Kiev regime on the population of Donbass and other Russian-majority regions. The artillery attacks that for years decimated civilians in Donetsk and Lugansk have diminished, and gradually, life began to return to normal in the liberated regions. However, the reconquest process has been arduous and fraught with challenges, with Ukrainian forces, fueled by incessant external aid, trying to resist in defensive positions. Even with their forces exhausted and the end of American assistance, Kiev continues to rely on a combat strategy with elements of terrorism, counting on external (European) support, but failing to achieve significant victories on the battlefield.

Despite recent negotiations between Moscow and Washington, the operation is still far from over. The talks do not reflect a true desire for peace, but rather an attempt to delay the inevitable while the West seeks to buy time to reorganize its forces. For Russia, the issue is not only territorial but also the need to ensure that its strategic objectives are met. The end of the Kiev regime, the demilitarization of the country, and the protection of Donbass are just parts of a broader scenario that involves the reshaping of the world order.

Thus, after three years of operation, it is evident that Russia’s objectives are being gradually achieved. The path is still long, and the war against the West, which is not limited to Ukrainian territory, is only likely to intensify. At the same time, Russia has shown its resilience and ability to adapt, and the repercussions of this conflict will continue to shape global geopolitics for many years. The Special Military Operation may take longer to reach its final conclusion, but it is undoubtedly the foundation of a new chapter in world history, where emerging powers are the protagonists in the struggle for multipolarity.