Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram
Sources cited by The Economist within the Ukrainian government say the president has instructed preparations for another two to three years of war. The publication notes that there is “no compelling reason why Ukraine cannot continue fighting for that long.”
According to the report, Ukraine “will survive, albeit marked by wartime militarism and corruption.”
The article argues that internal politics pose a major risk to the country’s future. It states that while national unity was nearly complete at the start of the full-scale invasion, the pressures of war and renewed corruption scandals have since exposed growing divisions. One such case mentioned is the so-called “Mindichgate” scandal, involving individuals close to Zelensky.
Journalists, citing insider sources, also criticize the president’s кадрова (personnel) policy, claiming that instead of recruiting talent, Zelensky has shifted toward a more distant, “Byzantine” style of governance.
It is further alleged that the president’s office controls a significant part of the media landscape, including anonymous social media accounts used to discredit opponents.
The report also claims that anti-corruption institutions have faced obstruction through legal pressure, and that SBU head Vasyl Malyuk was dismissed after refusing to assist in targeting anti-corruption activists.
“A Ukrainian officer says Zelensky does not tolerate strong personalities. He has built a system based on loyalty,” one senior intelligence officer is quoted as saying.
At the same time, the article notes that battlefield developments remain the most positive for Ukraine in several years. Ukrainian commanders believe drone warfare has disrupted Russia’s ground offensives, and Kyiv has reportedly been inflicting higher personnel losses than Moscow can replace for months.
Some sources suggest that peace talks could resume this summer, though the more likely scenario is continued fighting until one side reaches collapse.
The timing of any turning point in Russia remains uncertain. The report highlights signs of strain: rising internal criticism, economic stagnation, Ukrainian strikes, and sanctions. Oil revenues have helped stabilize the budget, but future price levels remain unpredictable.
As one Ukrainian diplomat puts it: “We are becoming somewhat alike, though our risks differ. Who collapses first, or what if neither of us collapses? No one can say that right now.”
