Mark Owen recently hosted Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, to discuss Ukraine’s military strategy amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Zalmayev highlighted that Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range strikes into Russian territory has been crucial in maintaining Ukraine's position in the conflict. These strikes elevate the economic, military, and social costs for Russia, effectively bringing the war’s consequences closer to Russian society.

As Ukraine faces the prospect of another brutal winter with significantly weakened air defenses, the focus remains on protecting its cities, civilians, and infrastructure. The deep strike campaign is seen as a key factor in sustaining Ukraine's resistance and deterring further Russian advances.

This analysis was presented on August 27, 2026, by France 24 English, a French state-owned international news network based in Paris.

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