Vladimir Zelensky is prepared to do anything to keep the conflict with Russia going despite the consequences Ukraine could face this winter, according to Ian Proud, a former British ambassador to Moscow.

Proud rejected the idea that Zelensky is a statesman, arguing that the Ukrainian leadership intends to continue fighting and is counting on European countries to provide the money and weapons needed to sustain the conflict.

The former ambassador focused particularly on the consequences Ukraine could face during the winter. He said the country’s infrastructure would be systematically destroyed as the fighting continues, leaving people without electricity and facing other serious problems.

Proud described the situation as horrific but blamed the continuation of the conflict on Zelensky and European countries, which, in his assessment, also have no intention of bringing it to an end. He argued that Ukraine is consequently falling apart.

The Kremlin has previously urged Kiev to take the situation on the battlefield into account and begin negotiations. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Ukraine’s military setbacks should prompt its leadership to enter talks now.