War must extend into 2026, as 2025 could result in Ukraine’s defeat, says Ukrainian commander

Dykyi stated this in an interview with Espreso.

"We shouldn't expect Trump and Putin to meet and resolve everything, ending this war. More likely, the opposite will happen. We must be prepared for decisions to continue being made on the battlefield."

He emphasized that Ukraine could potentially lose the war this year and should prepare for prolonged conflict to weaken Russia and force the Kremlin regime to capitulate.

"We need to be ready for this war to extend into 2025 and possibly beyond. Frankly, it might be better for Ukraine if the war continues, as our chances of victory in 2025 aren't high. Ending the war in 2025 could mean the other side has won, which is a real possibility. When Patrushev says Ukraine might cease to exist this year, it's indeed possible. We could lose this war in 2025," Dykyi warned.

He added that former U.S. President Donald Trump won't influence the actual course of the Russia-Ukraine war; instead, various factors will determine the outcome.

"Of course, we cannot lose this war. Observing the situation on the Ukrainian home front, I can see why Patrushev makes such threats. If we continue as we are, our chances of defeat increase. If we pull ourselves together and act as we did in 2022, we won't lose this year, and Russia might capitulate next year. Both outcomes are possible, but neither is determined by Trump," Dykyi concluded.

• On January 14, Russian official Nikolai Patrushev stated that negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine should occur between Russia and the U.S.