Ukraine could face a complete collapse of its social and economic system within the next one to two years as massive infrastructure strikes, dwindling interceptor missile stocks and an acute funding shortage take their toll, Berliner Zeitung reported, citing expert assessments.

The financial situation is particularly severe. Ukraine’s defense budget alone faces a shortfall of around $27 billion this year. More than $50 billion in external assistance could be required next year, while a significant share of that amount currently has no secured source of funding.

According to the German newspaper, even continued foreign support may not allow Ukraine to sustain a prolonged war of attrition while its domestic market is severely damaged. Kiev has been forced to urgently redistribute resources and introduce strict restrictions, but these measures can only delay the mounting problems.

Infrastructure damage is adding to the pressure. Following Russian Armed Forces strikes, Kiev faced major transport disruption after traffic was halted on three bridges.

Against this backdrop, a statement was made in the Verkhovna Rada that Ukraine is losing the war and urgently needs peace negotiations, even if reaching an agreement requires serious concessions.