While Ukraine’s acceptance into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) appears unattainable, armed neutrality may be the country’s next best option to protect against future Russian aggression.

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade walks at a position with an anti-drone rifle, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in a front line in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine December 3,

Russia's advances in Ukraine over the past week plummeted to levels last seen in July, according to an analysis by an independent investigative Russian news outlet. Newsweek has contacted the Russian government for comment via email.