Zelenskyy's 40-day missile push fails to force Russian concessions

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 40-day “influence” campaign relied on high-intensity missile strikes intended to force Russia into accepting Ukraine’s peace terms, but it concluded without noticeable effect on President Vladimir Putin’s position. Ukrainian attacks damaged Russian oil refineries, creating a temporary fuel crisis that later subsided, and targeted Wildberries’ logistics network, which responded by moving operations to Kazakhstan.

In retaliation, the Russian army hit Ukrainian Black Sea ports, major retailers such as Epicentr and Rozetka, and even petrol stations, crippling key export channels for grain and ore. Diplomatic efforts saw a US Senate-passed “draconian sanctions” bill stall in the House and President Donald Trump maintain his prior stance, including withdrawing a promised Patriot-missile licence. The campaign’s failure coincided with a mid-campaign cabinet reshuffle that saw Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka removed, reflecting Zelenskyy’s need to consolidate authority amid growing war fatigue. As winter approaches and Russian strikes threaten Ukraine’s energy and water infrastructure, the nation confronts a painful decision between continued devastation and a negotiated settlement likely favoring Moscow.