Zelenskyy hopes for end to war by 2026, stronger sanctions impact on Russia

He made the remarks during a meeting with journalists on May 27, as reported by UNIAN.

"Of course, we’re aware of analyses from various intelligence services and countries. June 2026 — we all hope the war will be over by then. Very much so. But at the same time, we understand that Russians will still be feeling the economic impact of the sanctions already imposed," Zelenskyy said.

He believes that starting from the summer of 2026, Russia's economy will feel the sanctions more strongly.

"We understand what kind of budget deficit there will be. Maybe it won’t be catastrophic for their economy, because most of it is in the shadows," Zelenskyy noted.

However, he added that it’s difficult to analyze what’s hidden in Russia’s shadow economy and how many reserves it has to sustain the war.

"I don’t think any of us knows all the details. But the impact will come. We believe the biggest challenge is the growing military-industrial complex. From what we see, it won’t be able to keep growing next year. It will decline — and continue to decline. Their economy will change entirely, with everything going to fund the war effort," he said.

The president also explained why, in his view, the Trump administration has not imposed new sanctions on Russia so far.

"The failure to introduce a strong sanctions package, I think, was predictable because America was waiting for concessions from Russia — in my opinion. Otherwise, the package would have already passed. I think America had high hopes, and now that hope has diminished a bit. There’s less belief that Putin truly wants to end the war. Even what’s said in the media or by certain U.S. officials — I’m not sure it matches their intelligence community’s actual forecasts and analysis of Putin’s actions," Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the Ukrainian president believes that failing to impose sanctions boosts morale in the Kremlin — and that concrete steps are needed.

"Of course, there are people who think that imposing strong sanctions would close off channels for dialogue with the Russians. We understand that such people exist in America. I believe there are also people in Europe who argue that communication lines must be preserved, and they are afraid to take tough action. I don't think that approach works with Putin. I actually support the U.S. thesis — not mine — that only strength can make the Russians think about peace. Because right now, they’re thinking only about war," Zelenskyy emphasized.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that the Russians must submit their 'memorandum.' In turn, Ukraine will review the proposals and provide a definite response to them.