Ukraine’s 40-day campaign has not brought the war closer to an end

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 40-day effort to pressure Russia into negotiating an end to the war has ended without producing a breakthrough. The article says Ukraine used long-range missile and drone strikes against Russian oil refineries and logistical targets, but Moscow did not agree to any concessions. In response, Russian forces intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including ports, retail logistics sites, fuel facilities and other transport-related targets.

The piece says the fighting is now placing Ukraine under growing strain, especially as air defence missile stocks decline and Russian strikes continue to hit Kyiv and other cities. It adds that the loss of port operations is hurting exports of grain and ore, while further attacks on energy and utility systems could make winter conditions far more difficult for civilians.

According to Al Jazeera, the campaign was also intended to influence US President Donald Trump, but his public stance did not change in Ukraine’s favour. The article notes that a Senate-backed sanctions bill has uncertain prospects in the House, and that Washington’s broader policy remains unresolved.

The report also describes recent personnel changes in Kyiv, including the dismissal of officials tied to the strike campaign and to European integration reforms. It frames these moves as part of a wider political balancing act for Zelenskyy, who faces pressure both to continue the war and to consider compromise. As background, Ukraine has repeatedly sought support from the US and the EU while trying to limit Russia’s military and political leverage.