Ukraine Envoy Sees War Ending Within Months, Cites Russian Economic Strain

Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, expressed optimism regarding the potential end of the war with Russia within months, drawing encouragement from the recent visit of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv. Korniychuk views the U.S. delegation's presence as a continuation of President Trump's efforts to broker peace, similar to his initiatives in the Middle East. He described the visit as "very positive," noting that while immediate results are not expected, American participation in talks in Kyiv is significant.

Korniychuk highlighted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that the envoys' visit coincided with three days of freedom from Russian attacks, allowing residents some respite. A proposal discussed during the talks involved declaring uninhabited areas in the Donbas region as neutral territory, a concept that has received positive public reception in Ukraine and is hoped to advance a ceasefire.

The ambassador also commented on Ukrainian strikes against Russian military infrastructure and oil facilities, asserting that Zelensky's threat to close airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi has already impacted Russian aviation, with airlines from Turkey and Gulf states halting flights. He stated this pressure aims to compel the Russian public to demand an end to the war, noting that Russia is now experiencing the hardships Ukraine has endured for the past 4.5 years.

Korniychuk believes the war could conclude in the coming months, partly due to Russia's deteriorating economic situation. He claimed that about half of Russia's refineries have closed, leading to shortages of fuel and diesel crucial for transportation and agricultural exports. While he anticipates a ceasefire rather than a full peace agreement, he acknowledged the possibility of Russia using winter to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Regarding Ukraine's air defense needs, Korniychuk stated that European countries are supplying the necessary systems, and the U.S. envoys' visit addressed a "winter package" of Patriot systems. He also mentioned European funding for Ukraine to develop its own interception systems. "I cannot say I see the light at the end of the tunnel for a final end to the war, but our leaders think it can be stopped in the coming months, and this will be its last winter," he concluded, adding, "I personally believe it will stop if the Russians don't have the money to fund it. The Russian economy has already begun to suffer."