Ukraine's Top General Admits Defeat, Calls for Talks with Russia

In a startling admission, Major General Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of Ukraine's HUR military intelligence directorate, has allegedly stated that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia on the battlefield and will eventually need to enter talks with Vladimir Putin. Skibitsky's candid assessment contradicts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's repeated refusal to engage in talks with the Kremlin.

Why this matters: The alleged admission of defeat highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. A negotiated settlement could have far-reaching implications for European security and the global balance of power.

In an interview with The Economist, Skibitsky painted a grim picture of Ukraine's military prospects. "I don't see a way for Ukraine to win the war on the battlefield alone. Even if it were able to push Russian forces back to the borders, it wouldn't end the war, "he said. The general emphasized that "such wars can only end with treaties."

Skibitsky attributed Ukraine's struggles to a lack of arms and motivated soldiers. He predicted that Russia will launch a major offensive by late May or early June, which Ukraine's forces are ill-prepared to prevent. The general also believes that Russia will eventually capture the Donbass city of Chasov Yar, despite Ukraine's claims to have thwarted Moscow's plans.

The war between Ukraine and Russia has been raging for over two years, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Ukraine has put up a valiant fight against the invading Russian forces but has been outmanned and outgunned. The frontlines have changed little in recent months, with Ukraine's counteroffensives in 2023 failing to achieve the same gains as in 2022.

Despite the grim outlook, Skibitsky believes that meaningful peace talks could begin in the second half of 2025 at the earliest. "Right now, both sides are jockeying for the most favorable position ahead of potential talks,"he said. A peace summit is planned for Switzerland in June, but Russia has not been invited due to concerns that Moscow will not bargain in good faith.

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine's military intelligence deputy chief admits Ukraine can't defeat Russia on the battlefield.
• Ukraine needs to enter talks with Putin to end the war, contradicting President Zelensky's stance.
• Lack of arms and motivated soldiers hinders Ukraine's military prospects.
• Russia is expected to launch a major offensive by late May or early June.
• Meaningful peace talks may begin in the second half of 2025, according to the general.