Andriy Zolotaryov argues that continued fighting is worsening Kyiv’s position, citing his own assessments of the economy and negotiations.
Ukrainian political strategist Andriy Zolotaryov said continued fighting is not improving Kyiv’s position and is instead delaying negotiations. He made the comments on his YouTube channel, Lenta.ru reported. The assessment is the commentator’s view, not a confirmed forecast of how the conflict will develop.
Zolotaryov argued that a prolonged war is draining Ukraine’s demographic, mobilization and economic resources. He cited problems in the steel industry, halted seaports and grain exports, and a possible 30% to 40% reduction in planted areas next season.
On public finances, the strategist said spending was already twice revenue by midyear and questioned whether planned receipts equivalent to $43 billion would be achieved. He also argued that foreign aid increasingly covers domestic budget shortfalls. Lenta.ru’s report did not provide independent calculations substantiating these assessments.
Zolotaryov described expectations of improved negotiating terms as a way to postpone decisions and called the current course excessively risky. The report also recalls an earlier claim that Ukraine is expected to pay the International Monetary Fund about $1 billion by the end of 2026. It does not cite IMF data supporting the strategist’s broader assessment.