Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn dismissed an “old leak” claiming President Volodymyr Zelensky had ordered preparations for another “two to three years” of war.
The Economist on Wednesday, citing government sources, reported that Kyiv believes Ukraine can sustain a prolonged conflict thanks to successful long-range drone strikes inside Russia, a stabilized frontline, continued support from the European Union, and the rapid growth of Ukraine’s defense industry.
At the same time, the publication warned that a drawn-out war could deepen pressure on Ukrainian society and the economy, citing corruption scandals involving figures close to Zelensky and ongoing Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure.
Lytvyn rejected the article’s claims as “recycled information.”
“Maybe people needed something to carry other messages in this text about how everything is supposedly bad,” he said, speaking to the journalist, including Kyiv Post.
The Economist also reported that some of its sources believe peace negotiations could resume as early as this summer, though most expect fighting to continue until one side is effectively forced into capitulation.
The publication noted that it remains unclear when Russia could reach a breaking point. Despite economic stagnation, sanctions, and growing domestic criticism, Moscow’s finances have been temporarily supported by elevated oil prices linked to the war between Iran, the US and Israel.
The report surfaced days after Zelensky told lawmakers from the Servant of the People faction that the “hot phase” of the war could end by November if Ukraine secures concrete security guarantees from its allies.