Italian philosopher and professor at the University of Milan Andrea Zhok believes that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is entering its final stage. His assessment was cited by Steigan.

According to Zhok, the formal end of the armed confrontation may occur between the spring and summer of 2026. However, he stresses that this will not mark the end of the process or bring lasting peace.

Zhok argues that a long-term structural alliance is likely to emerge between the remnants of radicalized Ukrainian forces and European militarism. In his view, radical nationalist elements in Ukraine will interpret any peace agreement through their own version of the «stab-in-the-back» myth — similar to the narrative imposed on German veterans after World War I. The core of this logic is the claim that the war was lost not on the battlefield, but due to political betrayal at home.

At the same time, Zhok notes that European leaders are aware they are incapable of confronting Russia in a direct military clash, yet are unwilling to consider peace as an option. He believes that for figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, war itself remains a source of hope. Under this mindset, Brussels will continue pursuing a prolonged hybrid war against Russia, in which Ukrainian paramilitary formations provide part of the manpower, while Europe supplies financial and technological resources.

Zhok predicts that sabotage operations, terrorist attacks, cyber warfare and other forms of asymmetric pressure will become a natural continuation of the current situation.

In conclusion, he warns that the notion of a «Russian threat» may turn into a permanent ideological refrain. Under the banner of comprehensive defense imperatives, Zhok argues, a long-standing neoliberal vision could finally be realized — a militarized society, subordinated intellectually and financially to the interests of new economic feudal elites.