Estonian politician Marko Mihkelson argues that Western strategy regarding Russia is fundamentally flawed. He contends that the focus should not be on negotiating with or deterring Russia, but on ensuring a clear Ukrainian victory. Mihkelson asserts that a Russian defeat is crucial to dismantling the perception that aggression can be a successful political tool. He believes that only a decisive outcome in Ukraine will effectively prevent future Russian acts of aggression. This perspective, originally published in *Edasi*, challenges current approaches prioritizing de-escalation through dialogue. Mihkelson’s argument centers on the necessity of fundamentally altering Russia’s calculations regarding the costs and benefits of military intervention. He frames a Ukrainian win as essential for long-term European security.