How Ukraine can win the war against the Russian 'Goliath'

Higher morale and change in tactics could pave the way for victory

20231218 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country will fight on until the Russian military completely pulls out of its territory. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters and Getty Images)

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

December 23, 2023 15:12 JST

KYIV -- At first glance, the Ukrainian capital in late November was as lively and buoyant as ever, with restaurants bustling and department stores decked out in Christmas decorations.

But I was quickly reminded that the country was in the middle of a war with Russia. A nighttime curfew had been imposed while soldiers guarded strategic points in the city. When there was a threat of an air raid, ear-piercing sirens rang out.