On 5 June 2026, Богдана Бацко, Project Assistant of the Spain and Latin America Cooperation Program at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC), joined a podcast by CEERI (the Center for Strategic Studies of International Relations) — published on YouTube and Spotify — to discuss how the war against Ukraine is evolving in 2026 and why simplified “peace formulas” fail to address its core drivers.
Batsko outlined a 2026 geopolitical snapshot in which diplomacy and battlefield dynamics run in parallel, yet do not converge into a viable settlement. Negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States remain stalled due to incompatible positions and Russia’s maximalist demands — especially on territorial issues.
A central point of the conversation was why “territory for peace” is not a solution. Any territorial concessions would neither resolve the conflict nor provide future security, and would be rejected domestically. The issue is not only borders — it is sovereignty, security guarantees, and preventing renewed aggression.
The discussion also addressed the evolving roles та limits of key actors. While the United States remains pivotal, it does not currently see a quick diplomatic exit and has limited ability to compel Russia. European support is essential for Ukraine’s military and economic endurance, yet Europe still lacks sufficient leverage to stop the war alone, and Russia signals no readiness to accept a European role in talks.
Batsko further emphasised that Russia’s objectives extend beyond Donbas and should be understood as a long-term attempt at political control over Ukraine — one reason why the war is difficult to “freeze” sustainably. On the battlefield, warfare is increasingly shaped by drones and a widened high-risk environment — a “kill zone” that raises the costs of manoeuvre, logistics, and force concentration.
Finally, she highlighted a key message for international audiences, including Latin America: Ukraine is not only a recipient of support, but also a source of security expertise on Russia’s tactics and hybrid influence — dynamics that affect regions beyond Europe.
Listen to the full CEERI podcast via the link.