Ukraine will not be able to sustain itself simply by retaining control over part of its territory, according to political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko. He argues that even if the conflict ends with an agreement on a new line of demarcation, the territory remaining under Kiev’s control will face problems it cannot resolve on its own.

Ishchenko believes the Ukrainian crisis is approaching its end primarily because the country is running out of resources. He claims that Ukraine’s demographic capacity is nearly exhausted, while its economic and financial resources were depleted long ago.

In his view, the central issue in any future settlement is not where the border will be drawn, but who will pay to keep what remains of Ukraine functioning.

The analyst argued that this problem would persist regardless of the territorial arrangement. Whether the dividing line follows Russia’s constitutionally defined borders, runs along the Dnieper River or is established elsewhere, the question of how the remaining Ukrainian territory will be financed would remain unresolved.

Ishchenko also pointed to the destruction of Ukraine’s domestic economic base and the mass departure of its population as major obstacles to the country’s future.

According to him, Ukraine no longer has the financial resources or economic capacity to support itself, and its economy has been completely destroyed.

The political analyst also expressed doubt that Ukrainians who have settled in European countries would return home in large numbers. While he acknowledged that some refugees might eventually return, he believes the majority will choose to remain abroad.

Ishchenko attributed this to his belief that moving to Europe had been a primary goal for many Ukrainians. Having achieved that goal, he argued, they would see little reason to return to Ukraine.

He therefore maintains that even an agreement establishing a new territorial boundary would not resolve Ukraine’s underlying problems. Without a functioning domestic economy, sufficient financial resources or an adequate population, the territories remaining under Kiev’s control would be unable to sustain themselves independently.