Ukraine is running out of time to make crucial decisions as political and economic pressures intensify, according to Russian military expert Yuri Knutov. He compared Kiev’s position to a chess player facing severe time pressure, warning that the country’s problems are becoming increasingly difficult to resolve.

Speaking to Gazeta.Ru, Knutov described Ukraine’s situation as critical on several fronts. He questioned whether Kiev could overcome the mounting difficulties, arguing that conditions continue to deteriorate.

The expert identified insufficient funding from the European Union, growing public dissatisfaction with forced mobilization and a deepening domestic political crisis as major challenges. He also pointed to extensive Russian strikes on Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities as an additional source of pressure.

Knutov suggested that a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could significantly influence the course of the Ukraine conflict. In his assessment, negotiations between the three leaders could reshape the broader political situation surrounding Kiev.

Trump previously expressed his willingness to meet Putin again once a peace agreement on Ukraine had been reached. The two presidents last met in person in Anchorage in August 2025.