Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Today's Edition

EveryNews

Stories that matter, signal over noise

Politics

Fedorov's Plan: Three goals that should make the war unprofitable for Russia

The Minister of Defense presented the “war plan”: a no-fly zone, halting the enemy’s advance, and economically strangling the Russian Federation. We examine why these three measures are particularly important right now and what is required for them to succeed.

Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik

By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik

February 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Fedorov's Plan: Three goals that should make the war unprofitable for Russia
Михайло Федоров (Фото: Міноборони)

In short — what was announced and why it matters

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov presented a "war plan" with three concrete goals: close the sky, stop the enemy in all domains, and deprive Russia of the economic means to wage war. This is not a declaration of wishes — it is a framework for operational decisions, procurements, and international coordination intended to turn tactical advantages into strategic pressure.

1. Close the sky — restore everyday life

According to Fedorov, the goal is to identify 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercept at least 95% of missiles and drones. In practice this means scaling a multilayered air defense system: short-range air defenses for the near perimeter, mobile interception complexes, and integration of sensors into the national alert system.

"When the sky is closed – the country functions"

— Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine

Why this matters for you: a stable air defense reduces risks to civilian infrastructure, guarantees defense logistics, and allows resources to be reallocated from passive protection to offensive and counter-neutralization actions.

2. Stop the enemy on land, at sea and in cyberspace — the "math of losses"

Fedorov named a benchmark — over 200 occupiers killed per 1 km² as the level at which advancement becomes impossible. He cited Donetsk region with a figure of ~156 per km² and explained that this is about the speed and density of losses that devalue the enemy's offensive potential.

"Our benchmark is over 200 occupiers killed for each km². That is the level of losses at which advancement becomes impossible"

— Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine

This is about combining correct logistics, tactical means, artillery, intelligence and cyber operations. The key is not only the number of rounds, but the quality of command: shortening the decision-making cycle through data (DELTA, the yeBaly system), increased unit training and rapid adaptation of tactics.

3. Deprive Russia of the economic resource to wage war — pressure on oil revenues

Fedorov directly links the duration of the war to the Russian Federation's financial capabilities, primarily oil revenues and the use of a "shadow fleet" for circumvention operations. The solution is to tighten sanctions, work with partners to intercept and identify vessels, coordinate actions in ports and at sea, and create a fiscal deficit that will minimize the Kremlin's ability to finance combat capability.

"The source is oil. If you cut off that channel — the resource for war will sharply decrease"

— Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine

For citizens this means: the results of sanctions and maritime coordination will not be immediate, but they are the measures capable of changing the adversary's strategic resilience.

How the plan must turn into real steps

Partnership. Ukraine expects record volumes of assistance this year — for procurement of drones, stable payments to the military and strengthening air defenses. This is a win‑win model that requires partners to provide guarantees of expenditure control and transparency of results.

Technological edge. Being "ten steps ahead" means investing in the rapid integration of new sensors, AI for data processing and mobile strike systems — not just individual weapon types, but platform synergy.

The mathematics of war. Data is power. DELTA and the yeBaly system must turn battlefield information into precise decisions: where to reinforce defense, where to strike, how to optimize logistics.

Context of international politics

According to Bloomberg, the United States insists on a diplomatic resolution by a specified date this summer; similar timeframes were mentioned by the president. This adds time pressure: the declared goals must be accompanied by rapid practical actions so that international pressure does not turn into haste without results.

What next: risks and expectations

The plan has a clear logic: combine defensive strength, tactical attrition of the enemy and economic pressure. Risks include lack of time, the need to synchronize with partners, and technological bottlenecks. If Ukraine can rapidly scale air defenses, consolidate battle management systems and coordinate a sanctions mechanism at sea, then these three goals can realistically reduce Russia's ability to carry out large-scale aggression.

Now it is up to the partners: declarations must turn into contracts, and contracts into effective solutions at the front. Whether there will be enough time is a question not only of tactics but also of political will on the international stage.

Related

Latest

Business

EU Against Google: Why the Latest Fine Could Change More Than Previous Ones

# European Regulators Target Google Again — This Time Over Digital Markets Act Violations. What's Behind the Accusations and Why It Matters Beyond the Corporation European regulators have renewed their scrutiny of Google, this time focusing on alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The charges underscore Brussels' increasingly aggressive stance on big tech monopolies and what officials say are anticompetitive practices. The accusations center on how Google leverages its dominance across multiple digital services — from search to advertising to mobile platforms — to disadvantage competitors. Regulators claim the company is using its market power in ways that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. The case carries significance far beyond Google itself. It signals how the EU is attempting to enforce its landmark Digital Markets Act, legislation designed to curb the gatekeeping power of tech giants. A potential penalty could set precedent for how other large technology companies face similar scrutiny. For consumers and smaller tech firms, the outcome could reshape the digital landscape by creating more room for competition. For Google, fines and operational restrictions could fundamentally alter its business model in Europe, the world's most stringent regulatory market. The case also reflects a broader geopolitical divide, with the EU pursuing a regulatory approach that contrasts sharply with the lighter-touch oversight favored in the United States.

May 26, 2026