Zelensky Does Not Rule Out That the Conflict in Ukraine Could End in 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he eagerly awaits a "peaceful time" for his country next year. The state leader made this remark to Politico, as reported by RTVI.

Earlier, the publication referred to Zelensky as the most influential person in Europe.

"I believe that Ukrainians will also be the most influential next year, but already in peaceful times," he said.

Zelensky also expressed gratitude to "all our friends in Europe who help us maintain stability" and "assist millions of people in overcoming this terrible time."

Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted the day before that achieving results from military operations in Ukraine is a "long process." At the same time, according to him, significant results have already been achieved: "It's a shame to hide it, the Sea of Azov has become an internal sea of the Russian Federation, these are serious matters."

A report from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) indicates that in 2023, the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine will most likely turn into a "war of attrition." According to analysts, this scenario has a 45% probability, while the scenario in which Moscow and Kyiv agree on a ceasefire stands at 15%. Other scenarios involve victory for one side or the other in the conflict (40%). To win, Russia would need to regain its "offensive momentum," but that would be challenging to achieve in the first half of 2023.