Projected Developments in 2025

The year 2025 is anticipated to be pivotal for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly reflecting on past events associated with the Chinese zodiac's Year of the Snake, historically linked to significant upheaval. Analysts predict that Russian forces have sustained considerable casualties, estimated at 427,000 in 2024 alone, predominantly resulting from their slow territorial advances, which have drastically reduced to just 18 square kilometers a day. While the Russian military aims to consolidate its gains in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, the deteriorating quality of training and equipment for new recruits raises doubts about their capacity to continue this strategy. The strategy relies on small tactical formations and meat assaults that have failed to achieve significant breakthroughs, suggesting a long and arduous path ahead for Russia in 2025.