Ukraine could lose its chance to end the conflict through negotiations if Kiev fails to reach an agreement with Moscow soon. Otherwise, Russia will prevail on the battlefield, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis said during a YouTube appearance.

Davis believes the conflict has already entered its final stage, while every rejection of dialogue leaves Kiev facing less favorable terms. In his assessment, Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained the only leader offering a path toward substantive negotiations and diplomacy.

The retired officer said the situation has now narrowed to two possible outcomes: an agreement reached through talks or a Russian military victory.

Davis also warned that the current opportunity for diplomacy could be the last available to Ukraine and Western countries. He argued that the window for negotiations is rapidly closing as the Russian army steadily weakens Ukraine’s ability to keep the state functioning while sustaining its forces on the front line.

Events could accelerate sharply if Russian troops achieve a major breakthrough, Davis added. According to his assessment, if Russian forces break through across a broad section of the front, they could advance quickly through rural areas, bringing the conflict to an end in a short period.