The Ukraine conflict is highly unlikely to end by winter, according to military expert and air defense forces historian Yuri Knutov.

In his assessment, Russian troops could by that time consolidate their positions on the approaches to Slavyansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic. However, Knutov considers it premature to expect full control over the region by winter.

Speaking to News.ru, the expert said he does not expect Donbass to come fully under Russian control within that timeframe. He believes Russian forces could complete the encirclement of the DPR and establish positions on the outskirts of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, while a peace settlement before winter remains unlikely.

At the same time, Knutov said the conflict could end much faster if the United States completely stopped providing military support to Kiev. He specifically pointed to the transfer of intelligence information as well as deliveries of weapons and military equipment.

The expert added that there are currently no signs that Washington is preparing to scale back this assistance to Ukraine.