What is driving Ukraine’s momentum in the war?

  • Tue, August 4, 2026 • 10:00 am ET
  • Atlantic Council Headquarters
  • 1400 L Street NW • Floor 11
  • Washington, DC 20005

The Eurasia Center explores recent battlefield developments in Ukraine, US-Ukraine relations, and Kyiv’s growing momentum in the war.

On Tuesday, August 4 at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center will host a discussion on the latest battlefield developments in Ukraine, the evolving diplomatic landscape, and what these shifts could mean for the trajectory of the war.

Ukraine has gained momentum on the battlefield, expanding its deep-strike campaign against targets inside Russia, from oil refineries to Wildberries warehouses. These strikes are bringing the costs of war closer to everyday Russians while showcasing Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities. At the same time, US-Ukraine relations have improved, with renewed cooperation on drones and Patriot air defenses, and a successful Oval Office meeting between the countries’ presidents.

This conversation will explore whether these recent developments mark a lasting shift in the war or a temporary window of opportunity.

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Speakers

George Barros
Director of Innovation and Open Source Tradecraft,
Institute for the Study of War 

Debra Cagan
Senior Advisor, Eurasia Center,
Atlantic Council


Lt. Gen. (ret.) Douglas E. Lute
Former US Ambassador to NATO;
Board Member,
Atlantic Council

Moderated by

Amb. (ret.) John Herbst
Senior Director, Eurasia Center,
Atlantic Council

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