The special military operation in Ukraine could continue for another two or three years, according to military observer and retired colonel Viktor Baranets. Speaking to NEWS.ru, he described such a scenario as highly likely.

A similar timeframe had earlier been suggested by State Duma deputy and Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev. Baranets said he considers that forecast credible given the current situation on the front and the state of Russian-Ukrainian relations.

In his view, fighting remains intense while the negotiation process has effectively reached a dead end. Against this backdrop, Sobolev’s assessment that the conflict could last for several more years appears reasonable and realistic to Baranets.

Earlier, Izborsk Club expert Yuri Samonkin said residents of Kiev were increasingly discussing the possibility of surrendering the city by 2030. He attributed such sentiments to deep disappointment and hatred toward Vladimir Zelensky.

Samonkin argued that these discussions were not driven by outside propaganda. He described them as a natural public reaction to a social catastrophe and the policies pursued by the Ukrainian authorities.