An opinion piece suggests that Russia has effectively lost the strategic conflict in Ukraine, advocating for Kyiv to engage in 'victory discussions' instead of peace talks. The article emphasizes President Vladimir Putin's speech to over 600 newly graduated security officials from a distance of about 50 metres in Moscow's St. George Hall, portraying a sense of increasing isolation. Additionally, it references the enduring repercussions of Yevgeny Prigozhin's 2023 rebellion as indicative of internal turmoil. While presenting the author's viewpoint, the piece underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding Ukraine's ultimate objectives and future dialogues.