In a speculative scenario outlined by Michel Eltchaninoff, Kyiv in 2036 is imagined as a European capital reshaped by the aftermath of a five-year war (2022–2027). The vision includes post-war reconstruction efforts and a renewed urban environment. The narrative describes ceremonies honoring victims and returning Ukrainians, alongside young people in military uniforms, lively cafes, and a highly connected society. High-speed trains connect major cities, and electoral campaigns are part of a broader picture of restored territorial integrity, following military successes and referendums in regions such as Donbass and Crimea. However, the article notes that this scenario remains uncertain, as Ukraine in 2026 still faces serious challenges, including soldier and civilian exhaustion, political tensions, and increased bombings. Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak suggests that the optimistic outlook of Ukraine’s potential rise as a European power could change rapidly. The article lists five reasons for considering Ukraine’s emergence as a significant force in Europe, starting with its battle-hardened military. Since 2014 and especially after 2022, Ukrainian society, including women, has mobilized to defend the country. Civilians have organized logistics, care for the wounded, and support for refugees and returning veterans. Unlike many European democratic nations, Ukraine has experienced a trial by fire, shaping its resilience. The country’s historical Cossack traditions have influenced its unique military structure, allowing various brigades a wide degree of autonomy in recruitment and equipment. Facing Russia’s centralized command structure, the Ukrainian military is described as flexible, mobile, and innovative. In addition, Ukrainians have begun manufacturing their own weapons, which are increasingly in demand by other states for purchase and to learn from their production techniques. This development highlights Ukraine’s growing strategic and technological influence on the global stage.