Strategic Miscalculations: Putin’s War in Ukraine and Its Global Repercussions

Introduction: The war in Ukraine, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, is one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the 21st century. Initially conceived as a swift military operation to overthrow the Ukrainian government and reestablish Russian influence, the conflict instead turned into a prolonged and devastating war. Putin's numerous strategic miscalculations – from underestimating Ukraine's military capabilities to misjudging Western unity and the impact of economic sanctions – have led to significant economic, military, and political consequences for Russia. This paper explores these strategic failures in depth, examining the role of Ukrainian resistance, the global response, and the long-term implications for Russia's internal and external standing. Method: In this study, a descriptive analysis was used as a method. In the descriptive analysis, literature reviews were analyzed by comparing them. Results or Findings: Ukraine’s resistance and the unity of the West to overestimating Russia’s ability to withstand economic sanctions, these errors have left Russia facing an uncertain future. The prolonged nature of the conflict, combined with the growing risk of domestic instability and the limitations of international alliances, has severely weakened Russia’s regional and global position. Discussion or Conclusion: As the war drags on, the consequences of these miscalculations will continue to shape Russia’s fate for years to come.