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Can Donald Trump genuinely broker a fair peace deal in Ukraine while, at the same time, choosing to sideline its current leadership? The short answer, frankly, is it’s highly improbable and faces immense practical and ethical hurdles. Such an approach would fundamentally undermine international norms, likely prolong conflict, and offer a shaky foundation for any lasting resolution. The Trump Doctrine: An Overview of His Approach When we talk about a ‘Trump doctrine’ concerning international conflict resolution, particularly in this context, we’re really looking at a few recurring themes from his previous presidency and public statements. It’s less about traditional diplomatic strategy and more about a transactional, often unilateral, approach. Prioritising Personalised Diplomacy Trump often prefers direct engagement with key leaders, sometimes bypassing established diplomatic channels and international institutions. The idea is that a ‘strong leader’ can cut through bureaucratic red tape and achieve results quickly through personal charisma and negotiation. While this can, in theory, accelerate certain discussions, it also risks alienating allies and ignoring critical expert input. In the context of Ukraine, this might translate to direct talks with Putin, potentially seeing Zelenskyy as an obstacle rather than a legitimate party. A Focus on ‘Deals’ Over Principles His approach is heavily geared towards what he perceives as a ‘deal’ – a tangible outcome that can be presented as a victory. The fairness or long-term sustainability of such a deal, especially concerning international law or the sovereignty of smaller nations, can sometimes seem secondary to achieving an agreement, any agreement. This transactional mindset could lead to pressure on Ukraine to concede territory or sovereignty in exchange for a cessation...

Small, off-the-shelf, first-person view (FPV) drones have significantly altered the dynamics of the battlefield in Ukraine. These inexpensive, commercially available quadcopters, adapted for military use, offer unparalleled precision strike capabilities, enhanced reconnaissance, and a tactical flexibility that was previously unimaginable. They allow individual soldiers and small units to deliver munitions directly onto targets with high accuracy, observe enemy movements in real-time without exposing personnel, and conduct operations with a speed and agility that traditional artillery or larger unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) cannot match. This shift has democratised aerial warfare, putting potent tools into the hands of frontline troops and forcing both sides to rapidly adapt their tactics and defences. The Rise of FPV Drones: A Battlefield Revolution The Ukrainian conflict has become a crucible for technological innovation, particularly in the realm of unmanned systems. While larger, more sophisticated drones like the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 initially captured headlines, it’s the humble FPV drone that has arguably had the most pervasive and disruptive impact on daily operations. These aren’t purpose-built military machines; they’re essentially hobbyist racing drones, modified for a very different kind of high-stakes flight. Their widespread adoption highlights a crucial trend: the rapid weaponisation of commercially available technology. From Hobby Shop to Frontline: What Exactly are FPV Drones? At their core, FPV drones are multicopters designed for agile, high-speed flight, typically controlled by a pilot wearing goggles that display a real-time video feed from the drone’s onboard camera – hence “first-person view.” This immersive experience gives the pilot a direct line of sight, allowing for incredibly precise manoeuvring through complex environments, something traditional line-of-sight drone control struggles with. For...

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, many observers expected Ukraine to fall swiftly. Instead, the world witnessed an astonishing display of national resilience and unity that allowed a smaller, less-equipped nation to withstand a much larger aggressor. This widespread solidarity wasn’t a sudden phenomenon; it was the culmination of various historical, social, and political factors that coalesced into a potent defensive force when most needed. The Foundations of Ukrainian Unity Understanding Ukraine’s robust response requires looking beyond the immediate conflict. The nation’s journey since independence in 1991 has been marked by a gradual, and at times tumultuous, forging of a distinct national identity. This process, often in direct contrast to Russian narratives, laid crucial groundwork. A Shared Vision Beyond Language and Region Unlike simplistic portrayals, Ukrainian national identity isn’t solely based on ethnicity or language. While Ukrainian is the state language and a vital cultural marker, many citizens, including those who primarily speak Russian, identify strongly with Ukraine. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas played a pivotal role in solidifying this. These events served as a stark external threat that unified diverse segments of society around a common goal: the defence of Ukrainian sovereignty and a future aligned with democratic European values, rather than authoritarian Russian influence. It became less about who you were ancestrally and more about what you believed in for the country. Civil Society as a Bedrock Ukraine boasts a vibrant and active civil society, a characteristic that differentiates it significantly from its authoritarian neighbour. Over decades, numerous non-governmental organisations, volunteer groups, and grassroots initiatives have flourished. These groups...

Staying in Kyiv was a pivotal moment for Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine, a decision that transformed the initial days of the invasion from a potential swift collapse into a determined resistance. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, many expected Kyiv to fall quickly and Zelenskyy to be evacuated, much like leaders in other conflict zones. Instead, he chose to remain in the capital, a choice that proved instrumental in bolstering national morale, shaping international perception, and solidifying his role as a wartime leader. This wasn’t merely a symbolic gesture; it was a pragmatic and strategic move that deeply impacted Ukraine’s defence. The Immediate Threat and the Options on the Table When Russian tanks rolled across the border and missiles struck cities across Ukraine, the threat to Kyiv, and specifically to Zelenskyy, was immediate and severe. Intelligence from Western allies, including the US, strongly suggested that Russia’s primary objective was to swiftly decapitate the Ukrainian government. US Intelligence and Evacuation Offers Before the invasion even began, and certainly in its opening hours, US intelligence agencies were sharing alarming assessments with Kyiv. These reports detailed Russia’s likely strategy: a rapid advance on the capital, targeting government buildings and key personnel. The explicit goal was to replace Zelenskyy’s administration with a puppet regime amenable to Moscow. Consequently, the United States, along with other allied nations like the UK, extended offers to evacuate Zelenskyy and his inner circle. These weren’t mere suggestions; they were detailed plans for extraction, designed to ensure the continuity of government, albeit from a safer, external location. The logic was clear: a living, legitimate government, even...