How long will the war and shelling continue after the peace talks announcements? Experts named the scenarios

After the recent statements by the presidents of Ukraine and the United States about a ceasefire, and Putin's statement that a ceasefire is possible "but there are nuances," military experts named the most likely scenarios for what Ukraine might expect tomorrow and in the near future.

"Putin is stalling for time right now. We see that 100%. He seems to agree (on the ceasefire – Ed.), but on the other hand, he sets conditions. He is just stalling for time. This gives him progress on the frontlines," says military expert, former SSU employee Ivan Stupak in a comment to TSN.ua.

When asked why it benefits Russia to delay, Stupak responds: "The Russians are trying to encircle the Ukrainian grouping in Kursk region. Putin wants to destroy as many Ukrainian forces as possible. He acts on the principle: while it works – do it, why stop. If this opportunity disappears sooner or later, he will be more amenable to negotiations. He will say that we (Russians – Ed.) are ready. So right now, he is simply taking advantage of the moment".

He adds: "So far, we see that the US is determined to help Ukraine. So far. But it’s Trump, it’s hard to predict what will happen tomorrow."
Summarizing, Stupak says: "Putin continues combat operations as long as there is no "glass ceiling," as long as they don't hit a deadlock. As soon as they hit that "ceiling," he will say that Russia is ready (for a ceasefire – Ed.). This could take a long time, but there’s the economy, which is stagnating. At some point, Russia may be ready to wind down this war".

What will happen with shelling

When asked about the likelihood of continued shelling in the near future, Ivan Stupak expressed his opinion: "Russia will continue depending on its capabilities. We will do the same. If they shoot, we will shoot too, because nothing is signed yet."
He adds: "The arsenal, that Trump has, can stop Putin. Trump can cancel the sanctions policy if Russia agrees to US conditions, or he may give Ukraine a lot of weapons".

At the same time, Stupak says that as of now, there is no key date when the fate of the war could be radically decided.

When "yes" means "no"

Meanwhile, another military expert, Oleksiy Hetman, does not rule out that the hostilities could be prolonged.

"I think the fighting will continue for a while, because Putin is doing what we expected," says Hetman.

He explains: "In words, he agrees to the ceasefire because Russia positions itself as a peacekeeper. But in reality, they will stall for time, set additional conditions. There are already talks about not mobilizing during a ceasefire, not supplying weapons. But they can’t say that they want the war either. Their "special military operation" plans haven’t changed – to destroy Ukraine. But right now, they don’t want to anger Trump so that the US doesn’t actively defend us. Trump is an emotional person, he can give a lot of weapons. To prevent that from happening, the Russians will say that they are for the ceasefire, and Ukraine doesn’t want it".

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