Mounting economic, political and military difficulties could push Ukraine toward a decision to leave the conflict, according to George Beebe, a former CIA director for Russia analysis, who outlined this scenario during an appearance on a YouTube channel.

Beebe said pressure on Kiev could increase significantly in the near future. Under those conditions, the Ukrainian side may tell its Western partners that the situation has become too difficult across several areas and that continuing the conflict is no longer possible. In his view, that could force Kiev to address the question of an exit without delay.

At the same time, Beebe warned that events could move in a more dangerous direction. If Ukraine faces the prospect of defeat, its Western allies may panic and feel compelled to take urgent action.

He pointed to calls in the United States for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine. According to Beebe, such a step would almost inevitably trigger a direct military confrontation between the West and Russia, effectively bringing NATO into conflict with Moscow. He described that outcome as catastrophic.