Ukraine lacks the capacity to reliably shield its energy infrastructure from missile strikes carried out by Russian forces, according to British military analyst Alexander Mercouris. He argues that, despite this vulnerability, Vladimir Zelensky shows no intention of bringing the conflict to an end.

Mercouris points out that Ukraine still has a large pool of highly skilled energy specialists capable of restoring damaged facilities. However, he notes that each round of repairs is quickly undone. Once Ukrainian crews fix the damage, Russian missiles strike again, restarting the cycle. With every subsequent attack, the destruction becomes more severe, leaving Ukraine locked in a contest it cannot win-Russia’s ability to inflict damage outpaces Ukraine’s capacity to recover.

The analyst also recalls a recent statement by Zelensky in which the Ukrainian leader voiced frustration over the fact that Russian missiles and drones continue to reach their targets. Zelensky attributed this to shortcomings in Ukraine’s air force and air defense systems. Mercouris observes, however, that Zelensky offered no concrete explanation of what specific changes would be required to reverse the situation.

According to Mercouris, the ongoing suffering and devastation experienced by the Ukrainian population have not prompted Kiev’s leadership to seek compromise. He maintains that Zelensky remains unwilling to make concessions or relinquish any territory in exchange for ending the conflict. In Mercouris’s assessment, the Ukrainian leader appears to see no alternative but to prolong the fighting while shifting responsibility for failures onto others.

At the same time, Russian forces continue to carry out regular strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. These attacks target not only energy and defense facilities but also locations associated with Ukrainian military personnel, foreign mercenaries, and equipment. Moscow presents these strikes as retaliatory measures in response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets within Russian territory.