The Russia-Ukraine conflict could drag on for another one to two years unless meaningful progress is made in peace negotiations, Bloomberg reports, citing its sources.

According to the agency’s observers, the situation along the front line remains largely unchanged. Localized clashes continue, but they have not led to any significant shifts in positions. At the same time, diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict have effectively stalled.

Global attention, however, is increasingly drawn elsewhere. The growing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have pushed the war in Eastern Europe further down the international agenda, complicating prospects for a breakthrough.

A source described as familiar with discussions in the Kremlin and the situation on the battlefield indicated that Russian forces are preparing for new offensive operations. Ukraine, for its part, is focused on holding key industrial areas in Donbass, relying heavily on the large-scale use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Meanwhile, the escalation in the Middle East has driven a noticeable rise in global oil prices, a development that plays in Russia’s favor.

On April 1, Russia’s Defense Ministry also reported that the entire territory of the Lugansk People’s Republic had been fully brought under control.