Zaluzhnyi: If we do not take care of defense, the war may last until 2034
24 July 19:14
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhnyi said that a full-scale war could drag on for years – up to 2034 – if Ukraine does not strengthen its defense.
He said this in an interview with LB.ua, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to Zaluzhny, since 2024, the war has entered a new phase – a war of attrition. He noted that today the main role of the front is to destroy the enemy, while key processes are taking place in the deep rear.
“If we try to simply achieve a ceasefire without forming a systemic defense for the future, this war will continue for a very long time. It started in 2014, and God willing, it will end in 2034,” Zaluzhny said.
Other forecasts
In July, experts at the International Monetary Fund updated their baseline scenario: according to it, intense fighting could end by the end of 2025.
France’s Strategic National Review states that the war could last up to five years.
The issue of an unconditional ceasefire remains on the agenda of international negotiations. The Ukrainian delegation has consistently emphasized the need to stop the fighting, but the Russian side has repeatedly rejected such proposals or put forward unacceptable conditions.
