When Russia-Ukraine talks could finally move forward: Expert prediction

Ukraine is nearly back at square one in negotiations with Russia, and the talks could return to the starting point because no compromise solutions are currently possible.

Military analyst Denys Popovych shared this view on Radio NV.

He said a realistic chance for meaningful negotiations is unlikely before spring or summer next year. He also referenced an earlier comment by Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, who mentioned a possible “window for dialogue” around mid-February.

“If a window for dialogue does open, it is most likely to appear in the spring or summer,” Popovych says.

He added that Russia’s growing economic troubles could affect the political situation. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s prospects also depend on the European Union, which is still debating how to use frozen Russian assets to benefit Kyiv.

Russian information pressure

Popovych noted that after U.S. officials met with Ukrainian representatives, the Kremlin intensified the spread of manipulative reports about the front-line situation.

According to him, Russian authorities are constructing an “alternative picture” of the military events.

“There has been a flow of information from a parallel reality — claiming the capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk, and the encirclement of Myrnohrad,” the analyst said.

The expert emphasizes that Putin is attempting to convince American negotiators of successes that aren’t real.

Popovych noted that the dictator relies on loud statements and symbolic actions to “push his version of events and undermine Ukraine’s stance.”

He stressed that following such information operations, Russian troops typically ramp up assaults to generate at least the appearance of supporting their propaganda claims.

Kremlin plans for “buffer zones”

The analyst also commented on Putin’s recent statements about the possibility of creating so-called “buffer territories” along the border.

According to him, Moscow has previously attempted to implement such scenarios in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, particularly around Vovchansk. Similar plans existed for the Chernihiv region, but they were not realized this year.

Popovych stressed that these plans are still on the Kremlin’s agenda, showing there is no genuine movement toward peace.

“Putin is outlining new goals for the next year — winter or spring 2026. He aims to completely take over Donetsk region. Sadly, peace has no place in his plans,” the analyst summed up.