A Four-Year Failure of Imagination

Foreign Policy

by Christian Caryl

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article "A Four-Year Failure of Imagination" by Christian Caryl highlights Ukraine's remarkable resilience and innovation in defying Russia's military dominance over the past four years since the full-scale invasion began. Despite being outnumbered and out-resourced, Ukraine has managed to resist and even inflict significant damage on Russian forces through creative tactics and resourcefulness. This includes using homemade drones, 3D printing technology to produce millions of drones annually, and employing advanced fiber-optic guidance systems that have left eastern Ukraine's landscapes altered in unexpected ways. The article emphasizes how Ukraine's ability to innovate has turned the tide in its favor, even as Russia struggles with high casualty rates and battlefield setbacks. For instance, Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted Russian warships and strategic bombers far from the conflict zones, showcasing their ingenuity and adaptability. These developments underscore how Ukraine has transformed the war into a prolonged struggle that continues to defy expectations. Politically, this war has rewritten global dynamics, challenging assumptions about military might and resource superiority. The failure of Russia's initial strategies and its inability to quickly defeat Ukraine have exposed weaknesses in its military leadership under President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the international community's response, including Western support for Ukraine, has shifted geopolitical alliances and reignited debates over defense spending and collective security. The article also critiques the widespread miscalculations by both Russian leaders and Western experts who underestimated Ukraine's resolve and capacity for innovation. This "failure of imagination" highlights how unpredictable modern conflicts can be, even when the odds seem stacked against one side. As the war continues to evolve, its implications for global stability, military doctrine, and international relations remain profound and far-reaching. Overall, Caryl's piece underscores the importance of adaptability, technological innovation, and resilience in shaping the course of this prolonged conflict. For readers interested in politics and international affairs, this article offers a compelling perspective on how Ukraine's unexpected achievements have reshaped the war's trajectory and challenged

Verticals

politicsinternational

Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026