In the program “Power of Choice” by the OPORA civic network, journalist and publicist Vitaliy Portnikov explains why Russia’s war against Ukraine is unprecedented in its technological character and why its end cannot be foreseen using 20th-century analogies. Advancements such as drones are fundamentally altering warfare, just as shifts in the global political system shape the prospects for ending the war and achieving stable security.
Portnikov notes that the so-called “world order” was never truly stable, but rather a set of situational agreements among major powers driven by fear of another catastrophe after World War II. This order, destroyed by Russia’s aggression, cannot be restored without new global shocks. Ukraine stands at the center of the break-up of the Russian imperial model, and only the exhaustion of Russian resources might bring an end to active conflict.
On Europe, Portnikov emphasizes that EU countries have not achieved technological autonomy due to their complex market structure and lengthy decision-making. While the war has stimulated collaboration in Europe, Ukraine’s strategic security remains tied to the US position and the collective West’s ability to respond jointly to threats.
Portnikov insists that Ukraine's struggle is not only a battle of democracy versus authoritarianism, but fundamentally a fight for statehood. Preserving Ukrainian subjectivity could be the final blow to the Russian empire, though achieving this is costly—relying on the mobilization, intellectual, and demographic capacities of the country.
Risks remain: ongoing political polarization in Europe and worldwide, waning trust in institutions, a lack of strategic thinking in government, and the rise of populist narratives. The long-term consequences of war, including demographic changes, may transform Ukrainian society and its future. Portnikov stresses the importance of nationwide dialogue on a shared vision for postwar Ukraine; only honest assessment and unified action will help preserve statehood amid a challenging international environment.
The interview concludes with analysis of internal political factors and the role of external support. Despite uncertainty, Portnikov urges the search for unity and responsibility in defending the country and shaping a viable future where Ukraine can withstand the challenges of war and global change.
