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Stop Chasing Illusions - Force is needed to defeat Russia

As the war in Ukraine drags into its fifth year, one ugly truth stands out: Russia will not stop unless it is forced to stop. 

Exercise Lively Sentry 25 that focuses on fighting the Russian army in a high intensity war (credit: FDF) 


The Kremlin’s propaganda machine, from Pravda to milbloggers, continues to paint a picture of strength, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Russia is bleeding resources, manpower, and legitimacy. Yet, despite this, Western voices still whisper about “peace deals” and “compromise.” That is not diplomacy; it is appeasement.

Despite the Russian propaganda claiming otherwise, Ukrainian troops are still fighting hard in Pokrovsk.


Russia is capable of expanding its armed forces despite the losses, but in the short term the quality of the troops is appalling. This is an advantage for the west, but it will turn into a liability if not capitalized quickly enough.

Sanctions: From Symbolism to Systemic Pressure

Sanctions do work, but only when they are hard, comprehensive and relentless. The half-measures adopted by parts of Europe have been worse than ineffective; they have signaled weakness and bought Moscow time. If the West is serious, sanctions must go beyond the Kremlin’s inner circle and hit ordinary Russians. Economic pain must be felt in every household, not just in oligarch boardrooms.

Russia’s war machine runs on money, influence, and networks abroad. It is time to dismantle that scaffolding. Internment of Russian citizens with state ties or shady businesses and confiscation of all Russian-owned assets, state, corporate, and individual alike, within Western jurisdictions should be on the table. These measures are not about revenge; they are about cutting off the arteries that feed aggression. Every ruble taken, is one we can use to arm Ukraine better.

Force and Deterrence: Speak the Language Moscow Understands

Diplomacy without leverage is just a theater act to please the voters. To negotiate from strength, the West must signal readiness to use force and back that signal with real tangible action:

  • Forward deployment of NATO forces in Finland, Poland, and the Baltics.

  • Rapid militarization of critical infrastructure to withstand hybrid attacks.

  • Active countermeasures against Russian intelligence and economic subversion.

The fear of “looking aggressive” is misplaced. Actions need to be harsh enough to strike some fear to the Russian operatives and anyone willing to take their money. Deterrence works only when escalation is credible. We are the ones who can always escalate further, not Russia. Russia respects power, not platitudes.

The Path Forward

  • No concessions on Ukrainian sovereignty.

  • Escalate sanctions until Russia faces systemic collapse.

  • Prepare for hybrid retaliation and respond decisively.

  • Make it clear: aggression will be met with force. Demonstrate if necessary.

The West cannot afford another frozen conflict or a cosmetic peace deal. The only sustainable solution is to force Russia to pull out or collapse through economic strangulation, political isolation, and, if necessary, military might. Anything less is appeasement, and appeasement is an invitation to the next war. And I would rather fight the war now, than force it upon my children.


Petri Mäkelä

04.12.2025


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