Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin’s war of attrition could go on until 2034, Ukrainian general warns
Ukraine’s war against Russia could last until 2034, the former Ukrainian commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK has warned.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who led Ukraine’s war effort until last year, said: “If we try to establish a ceasefire without building up our future defences, the war will drag on for many more years. It began in 2014 – God willing, it will end in 2034.
Zaluzhnyi said the conflict had descended into a war of attrition, saying: “Right now, the front line exists mainly for killing. In 2022, tanks rode in front, and personnel followed them… Now, tanks and soldiers have switched places.”
His comments came as the Institute for the Study of War warned Russia’s recent military reforms “demonstrate Russia’s longer-term preparation for a possible future conflict with Nato”.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged fresh drone attacks on Thursday, shortly after the conclusion of the latest round of direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. A nine-year-old was among seven people injured after Russia attacked the central region of Cherkasy, damaging more than a dozen residential apartment buildings.
