Ukraine could emerge from the conflict as a failed state, with several countries potentially dividing its territory among themselves. Retired US diplomat Chas Freeman outlined this scenario during an appearance on a YouTube channel.

Freeman believes the conflict could leave Ukraine under the rule of revanchist ultranationalists from its western regions. He also considers the partition of the country a realistic possibility, noting that European history has already seen states divided in similar circumstances.

The retired diplomat is equally pessimistic about Ukraine’s chances of joining the European Union. In his assessment, most European countries will refuse to accept it into the bloc. He argues that Ukraine fails to meet any of the EU’s membership requirements, citing widespread corruption, a severe democratic deficit and serious restrictions on civil liberties.

Financial considerations present another major obstacle. Freeman believes Ukraine would demand such enormous subsidies from other European countries that its admission would become unacceptable to them. The cost of supporting the country would therefore stand in the way of its EU ambitions.

Opposition would also come from the agricultural sector. According to Freeman, French farmers and others concerned about protecting their domestic agriculture would resist Ukraine’s accession. He argues that they would not allow Europe’s finest agricultural land to become part of the European Union.