The war is likely to continue at least until the end of winter. Russian forces see advantages for themselves, while Ukraine faces some decline in allied support, with shifts in the positions of certain European countries, presenting new opportunities for the Kremlin as they await a favorable turn in geopolitical dynamics.
Russian attacks remain focused on Ukraine's border and frontline regions. Experts emphasize that the key to ending the war is not in Kyiv or Brussels, but in the Kremlin. Rumors of an imminent peace, emanating from varied sources, are believed to originate principally from Russia.
On the global stage, competition between the US and China is intensifying, particularly over the control of rare earth metals—a factor critically affecting the American defense industry and shaping US policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Some experts believe that any potential negotiations or a "big deal" between Trump and Putin would primarily address rare earth resource cooperation, with Ukraine's fate possibly being a bargaining chip.
Discussion participants note no real indication from Russia of readiness to de-escalate or reduce military spending. On the contrary, Russia is reportedly preparing for mass mobilization and restructuring its infrastructure for a broader draft, generating additional internal risks.
In conclusion, analysts believe the conflict is set to persist, and claims of a quick resolution are not supported by evidence. The positions of the US, China, Russia’s domestic policy, and Ukraine's defense capabilities remain decisive factors.
