Expert announces new timeline for ending war in Ukraine: worst is yet to come

There are currently no signs of a quick end to active hostilities in Ukraine by the end of 2026. Military analyst Oleg Zhdanov expressed this opinion in a commentary for Glavred.

According to the expert, the end of the conflict on Russian terms could occur at any time if Ukraine capitulates. In such a case, Russian troops could advance into a significant territory of our country, including Lviv.

He noted: “If we sign the capitulation, we can expect Russia to go further. Their goal is the liquidation of Ukraine as an independent state.” Analyzing the prospects for peace, Zhdanov believes that if Ukraine sought to end hostilities on its own terms, this could occur no earlier than 2 years from now, by the end of 2027.

Zhdanov also described a possible scenario in which there would be an illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories, which would lead to the transition of the conflict to a low-intensity stage. At the same time, he stressed that a complete ceasefire is not possible, since Russian forces will continue provocative shelling.

The expert noted: “Putin correctly noted that the resolution of this war requires the elimination of the primary causes. They are saying that the Russian empire cannot come to terms with the existence of an independent Ukraine.” As long as the two states exist, the conflict will move from an active phase to a passive one and back again.

Despite this, Zhdanov believes that, with international sanctions, Ukraine will be able to complicate Russia’s economic situation significantly. If Western coalition countries provide Ukraine with financial and military support, the Ukrainian forces can win on the battlefield, bringing the war to an end.