Great article. I wish Russia would help Lebanon, Syrian people and the Palestinians. I$$RAEL bombs them daily and murders innocent people. Zelensky's Ukraine is the same as I$raeel.
Over 1 million killed, missing, or wounded in 3.5 years—former “DNR” leader and militant Pavel Gubarev admits the staggering toll of Russia’s war, a truth Russian state TV will never air.
Very good Patrick. I wonder how Mr Putin likes showing the whole world how a $2000 drone is destroying $20,000,000 NATO Tanks and APCs. These drones have changed warfare as much as Tanks and airplanes did in WW I & II.
After more than three years of full-scale war in Ukraine, war fatigue is real – not only in the West but also among Ukrainians themselves. We must take that seriously. But that does not mean the solution is to force Ukraine to give up land and its hope for sovereignty.
Several recent polls show that around 40–45 percent of the population could consider a compromise where Russia retains control over certain areas, as long as it doesn’t involve formal recognition of annexation. At the same time, roughly half still say they refuse to give up territory – no matter what is offered.
This is not a sign of weakness. It is an expected reaction from a people who have lived with war, death, and destruction for years. But it also shows how difficult it will be to achieve a just peace.
Demands full control
Vladimir Putin’s demands are not about peace. They are about dominance: the “demilitarization” of Ukraine, political neutrality, and effectively control over who governs in Kyiv. This is not a negotiation – it is a diktat. And history shows us that appeasing such demands only creates a more dangerous future.
A Russia that is rewarded for aggression will not stop at Donbas. Moldova, the Baltics, and Poland could be the next targets – especially if NATO appears divided and weakened.
Europe’s disunity is Putin’s best weapon
Today, European countries view the threat from Russia very differently. While Poland, Estonia, and Finland rearmed before the war began, countries like Germany and Italy have been more cautious – due to economic and political concerns.
Putin is counting on this division to make it possible to force through a “peace” that is, in reality, a capitulation. We must prevent that.
Peace must not mean submission
The West has a responsibility to support Ukraine in standing its ground – but also to enable negotiations when the right time comes.
That means:
• Strengthening arms production and showing that we are not “running out.”
• Communicating clearly that Ukraine is not alone.
• Recognizing war fatigue without pushing for bad compromises.
Peace is a legitimate desire – but it must be a peace with justice, and with respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Not a forced stalemate that lets an aggressor keep the spoils.
Ukraine’s future will not be decided only on the battlefield, but in how strongly we stand together. We must take the people’s fatigue and pain seriously, but we must not confuse the need for realism with the need for capitulation.
Ukraine's future was decided back when the USA offshored production to 3rd world/China and the West de industrialized, mistaking the temporary illusion of financial control over the rest of the world for hard power.
In other videos of Patrick’s, ones made on Russia/Ukr border, the wire which like fishing line mentioned as he and others walking in scrub, woods, checking the ground .
It's not just the Russian drones but most Russian weapons are superior to western ones. And the Russian military industrial complex has some of the best scientists and technical staff. Their best quality is the ability to adjust to the battlefield environment and produce quickly some of the most advanced weapons.
Like your comment Patrick which sums up the ironies of war these days, - ‘If someone comes with scissors and cuts fibre optic ….’ Imagine in flight a pigeon with scissors … 😂
not new tech (wire guided projectiles) but old tech in new applications (drones).
the USA DoD used wire-guided missiles in operation desert storm among other theatres from combat helicopters (Cobras) among other platforms. same idea: a cobra helicopter shoots a missile at a target, the munition is connected by a thin wire to the helicopter for the weapons operator / co-pilot to steer towards the target.
Great article. I wish Russia would help Lebanon, Syrian people and the Palestinians. I$$RAEL bombs them daily and murders innocent people. Zelensky's Ukraine is the same as I$raeel.
Putin loves Israel as nearly 2 million Russian speakers live in Israel
Putin doesn't love Israel..quite the opposite. Russians and other Slavic jews Are not Israel.
Glad your back on the Russian Ukraine war once again Patrick! Much love and br safe my friend!
Спасибо Патрик
Over 1 million killed, missing, or wounded in 3.5 years—former “DNR” leader and militant Pavel Gubarev admits the staggering toll of Russia’s war, a truth Russian state TV will never air.
Ukrainian Nazis meanwhile still claiming 300,000 dead.
The only good Ukranian Nazi is a dead Ukrainian Nazi.
Very good Patrick. I wonder how Mr Putin likes showing the whole world how a $2000 drone is destroying $20,000,000 NATO Tanks and APCs. These drones have changed warfare as much as Tanks and airplanes did in WW I & II.
After more than three years of full-scale war in Ukraine, war fatigue is real – not only in the West but also among Ukrainians themselves. We must take that seriously. But that does not mean the solution is to force Ukraine to give up land and its hope for sovereignty.
Several recent polls show that around 40–45 percent of the population could consider a compromise where Russia retains control over certain areas, as long as it doesn’t involve formal recognition of annexation. At the same time, roughly half still say they refuse to give up territory – no matter what is offered.
This is not a sign of weakness. It is an expected reaction from a people who have lived with war, death, and destruction for years. But it also shows how difficult it will be to achieve a just peace.
Demands full control
Vladimir Putin’s demands are not about peace. They are about dominance: the “demilitarization” of Ukraine, political neutrality, and effectively control over who governs in Kyiv. This is not a negotiation – it is a diktat. And history shows us that appeasing such demands only creates a more dangerous future.
A Russia that is rewarded for aggression will not stop at Donbas. Moldova, the Baltics, and Poland could be the next targets – especially if NATO appears divided and weakened.
Europe’s disunity is Putin’s best weapon
Today, European countries view the threat from Russia very differently. While Poland, Estonia, and Finland rearmed before the war began, countries like Germany and Italy have been more cautious – due to economic and political concerns.
Putin is counting on this division to make it possible to force through a “peace” that is, in reality, a capitulation. We must prevent that.
Peace must not mean submission
The West has a responsibility to support Ukraine in standing its ground – but also to enable negotiations when the right time comes.
That means:
• Strengthening arms production and showing that we are not “running out.”
• Communicating clearly that Ukraine is not alone.
• Recognizing war fatigue without pushing for bad compromises.
Peace is a legitimate desire – but it must be a peace with justice, and with respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Not a forced stalemate that lets an aggressor keep the spoils.
Ukraine’s future will not be decided only on the battlefield, but in how strongly we stand together. We must take the people’s fatigue and pain seriously, but we must not confuse the need for realism with the need for capitulation.
@Andre K
Ukraine's future was decided back when the USA offshored production to 3rd world/China and the West de industrialized, mistaking the temporary illusion of financial control over the rest of the world for hard power.
There must be a lot of wire lying around
In other videos of Patrick’s, ones made on Russia/Ukr border, the wire which like fishing line mentioned as he and others walking in scrub, woods, checking the ground .
Nato should just go back to Germany.
It's not just the Russian drones but most Russian weapons are superior to western ones. And the Russian military industrial complex has some of the best scientists and technical staff. Their best quality is the ability to adjust to the battlefield environment and produce quickly some of the most advanced weapons.
No wonder that Russia is winning.
Like your comment Patrick which sums up the ironies of war these days, - ‘If someone comes with scissors and cuts fibre optic ….’ Imagine in flight a pigeon with scissors … 😂
Cool to be a stooge for Russian propaganda
You have great courage Patrick. Thank you for your report.
I like your blue helmet! 💙 is this part of your subtle humor? If so I get it! " The Smerfs are here the Smerfs are here" 😅😁
Unfortunately . . . a strong EMF pulse can still disable such a drone . . . no system is perfect . . .
great insights & investigative reporting.
not new tech (wire guided projectiles) but old tech in new applications (drones).
the USA DoD used wire-guided missiles in operation desert storm among other theatres from combat helicopters (Cobras) among other platforms. same idea: a cobra helicopter shoots a missile at a target, the munition is connected by a thin wire to the helicopter for the weapons operator / co-pilot to steer towards the target.
totally fake war
That reporter is brilliant, reports from Russian side and reports from front end of fighting
Odd that subtitles said I don't trust you at one point - that wasn't said as far as I heard but it may be the translation just got confused by the AI