Russian losses in the conflict with Ukraine have been devastating, including the destruction of more than half of their latest generation tanks, 800 thousand soldiers killed, and an economy in a state of emergency under martial law. Ukrainian resistance has demonstrated the military superiority of the United States, leading Vladimir Putin to seek peace through negotiations, without surrendering to Ukraine or Europe.
Putin has been characterized as a leader who has committed murders of opponents, poisoned his compatriots, and influenced Western democracies with mass disinformation. He has carried out bombings on critical infrastructure in Ukraine, destroyed hospitals, and kidnapped children. Despite calls for negotiations and peace agreements, he has ignored the majority and has been accused of electoral fraud.
Despite previous peace agreements, such as the Minsk agreements, which Putin has ignored to strengthen the Russian army, tensions continue to rise. Putin has expressed his desire to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, arguing that it would endanger Russian national security. Putin's desire to regain the former USSR has been a constant point of conflict in the region.
In an unexpected turn, intelligence services from several countries concluded that Putin planned to invade Ukraine, which was confirmed when Russian troops led by Lukashenko from Belarus entered the country. What was initially expected to be a week-long occupation has now lasted four years, wearing down the Russian army and leading it to depend on external support.
The international community, led by the United States, has promised to protect Ukraine from future Russian attacks. Since Russia violated international agreements and annexed Crimea in 2014, the region has witnessed a conflict that threatens global stability. Ukraine's nuclear disarmament position and its desired peaceful balance have been affected by Russian aggression.
Amid this conflict, figures like Zelensky and Machado have emerged as symbols of the struggle for freedom and democracy in their respective countries, facing historical and contemporary challenges in a complex geopolitical landscape.
