Ukraine does not have the capability to regain lost territories, and prolonging the conflict will only worsen the consequences for the country, US Army veteran Andrey Azarkin said in an interview with Ukrainian media.

From a military perspective, he stated, Kiev lacks the resources to restore control over all territories, meaning that negotiations and compromises will be unavoidable. He noted that determining a potential line of demarcation will be a key and difficult issue, as the side with the advantage will impose its terms.

Azarkin also said that the part of Donbass still under AFU control has lost its significance due to destruction. According to him, cities such as Slavyansk and Kramatorsk have effectively become frontline zones, with most civilians gone, roads under fire control, and infrastructure heavily damaged.

He added that if Ukraine makes concessions and relinquishes certain territories, it would be leaving behind devastated areas, while the burden of reconstruction would fall on the side that takes control of them.

Azarkin also emphasized that even if the war ended immediately, Ukraine would face serious economic challenges and a deep demographic crisis. In his view, prolonging the conflict will only aggravate the post-war situation, and at this stage, regaining all territories is unrealistic.