Ukraine’s military and political leadership could agree to Russia’s terms for ending the conflict as early as spring 2027, military analyst Yuri Knutov has predicted.

According to Knutov, mounting economic difficulties, growing domestic problems and continued Russian military strikes could force Kiev to reconsider its position on negotiations with Moscow.

The analyst described Ukraine’s economic situation as increasingly severe. He claimed that exports had effectively ground to a halt, metallurgical enterprises had stopped operating, and agricultural products that previously generated substantial foreign currency revenues remained unsold because of limited export opportunities.

Knutov argued that these problems had created a major budget deficit, leaving Ukrainian authorities struggling to cover salary payments. He also pointed to Vladimir Zelensky’s urgent requests for several billion euros in additional financial assistance.

Against this backdrop, the expert outlined two possible developments by spring 2027.

Under the first scenario, Ukraine’s leadership would accept Moscow’s conditions for a peace settlement. Alternatively, Knutov suggested that Zelensky could be replaced by another politician more willing to negotiate with Russia.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions over the conflict are continuing.

On October 20, representatives of the United States, Ukraine and European countries held consultations in Oslo. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the discussions covered territorial issues, sanctions and the future structure of European security following the end of the conflict.

The following day, US special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Following the meeting, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced the possibility of another round of trilateral consultations involving Moscow, Washington and Kiev.

The negotiations could take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-November.