WSJ: Putin And Trump Are Wrong—They Can't Win Their Wars
- 15.09.2026, 18:14
Both wars are becoming increasingly costly.
Both Russia and the U.S. have achieved certain military successes. The Kremlin is fighting Ukraine, while Washington is fighting Iran. However, they have failed to achieve their main objectives. Ukraine and Iran have proven to be much more resilient opponents than Putin and Trump had anticipated, writes The Washington Post.
The Russian army has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The weakening of Ukraine’s air defense has led to an increase in strikes on cities and civilian casualties. However, Moscow has failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough on the ground. The Russian offensive has stalled, and Ukrainian troops have been able to launch counterattacks.
At the same time, Kyiv is striking Russian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian drones are attacking targets located hundreds of kilometers from the border, exacerbating the fuel crisis and reducing Russian budget revenues.
“Russian forces are capable of inflicting more civilian casualties from the air, but they have failed to make significant gains on the ground,” the authors write.
A similar situation is unfolding in Iran. U.S. strikes and pressure on oil exports have seriously complicated Tehran’s situation. Inflation in the country has reached 80%, and the IMF expects the economy to contract by 5.4% this year.
However, Iran retains the ability to respond. Its forces and allies are attacking U.S. targets and threatening key oil supply routes. The Houthis in Yemen, who have strengthened their positions along the Red Sea, pose a particular threat.
As a result, both wars are becoming increasingly costly, yet neither is moving closer to the outcome desired by Washington and Moscow.
“The only realistic way to end these wars is through diplomacy,” the authors argue.
For Putin, this means abandoning attempts to seize the entire Donbas and agreeing to a ceasefire. Trump, in turn, will have to acknowledge that economic pressure will not force Iran to capitulate.
Continuing the wars only increases the cost without bringing the parties any closer to victory.