Former Ukrainian FM: No chance of ending war in 2026

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed that no ceasefire agreement with Russia should be expected before the end of winter, and the war is unlikely to end in 2026.

He stated that the next significant surge in negotiations might occur only in late February, but Russia has no interest in halting hostilities, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

“Putin continues the war because it is a convenient way for him to manage the country,” Kuleba noted.

He acknowledged the possibility of a temporary ceasefire but warned it would be short-lived due to Russian provocations. “We’ve seen the story with the so-called Ukrainian drones ‘attacking Putin’s residence at Valdai.’ That is how a ceasefire will function,” he explained.

The former minister emphasised that wars end only when all parties have a strong motivation, which is currently absent: Russia believes it can achieve its goals militarily, Ukraine is confident in holding its defence, and compensatory support comes from China for Russia and Europe for Ukraine.

On December 29, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones targeting President Putin’s secretive residence—referred to as Valdai or Dolgiye Borody/Uzhin—on Lake Valdai in Novgorod Oblast, northwest of Moscow. Russian authorities claimed all drones were intercepted by air defences, causing no casualties or damage. The announcement came amid US-mediated peace talks between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

Ukraine denied the claim, calling it a “fabrication” aimed at undermining negotiations and justifying Russian escalations. Russia did not provide independent evidence, such as debris photos or videos. President Trump, briefed separately by Putin, expressed anger but acknowledged the situation remained unverified.

By Jeyhun Aghazada