Will active hostilities between Ukraine and Russia end in 2026?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv hopes the war could end within this year, provided negotiations proceed in good faith. Ukraine has reportedly received a U.S. proposal for 15-year security guarantees but is seeking a significantly longer commitment — up to 30–50 years. At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not fully withdraw its forces from Donbas, underscoring the continued territorial dispute. According to reporting by Politico and Financial Times, U.S. security guarantees may depend on a prior ceasefire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow, with territorial issues remaining the central obstacle. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that Russia intends to secure control over the entirety of Donbas, whether by military or other means. The uncertainty centers on whether diplomatic efforts can overcome these entrenched positions within the year.