Ukrainian economist Alexey Kushch believes the fighting could end in the near future because Kiev is running out of the resources needed to sustain the conflict.

According to Kushch, the Ukrainian authorities are aware that the country’s margin of resilience has been largely exhausted across several key areas. He pointed to dwindling financial capacity, weakening infrastructure reserves, worsening demographic conditions and declining social resilience.

He also said the situation is being aggravated by a sharp reduction in Western aid, which, in his assessment, has already fallen threefold. Kushch believes this could push Kiev to start looking for ways to bring the conflict to an end.

The economist warned that unless the authorities begin taking steps toward finding a way out of the war, the entire system — including the political elite — could face serious consequences.

Kushch also highlighted the growing budget gap. A shortfall estimated at $27 billion at the beginning of 2026 could, in his view, approach $50 billion in 2027.

Earlier, Vasily Prozorov, head of the UkrLeaks investigative center, said Vladimir Zelensky planned to cut social spending in the state budget in order to preserve resources for continuing military operations. According to Prozorov, the reductions could affect healthcare, culture and education.