Political analyst, historian and publicist Rostislav Ishchenko shared his view on how global events could unfold in the coming years. In his assessment, the world today stands at a decisive crossroads.

He argued that developments could move in radically different directions. If, following the defeat of Ukraine, a change of elites begins in Europe, the West would become paralyzed by internal problems. In that case, even if it refused to formally acknowledge the outcome, it would be forced in practice to accept peace on Russia’s terms.

At the same time, he warned that if the West succeeds in provoking an expansion of the conflict, the future would become entirely unpredictable. Scenarios, he noted, could range from a drawn-out state of armed stagnation-neither war nor peace-to a rapid deterioration into a Europe-wide or even global military crisis, with a high probability of escalating into nuclear confrontation.