The Economist on Ukraine in 2026: What Future Awaits Zelensky.

The Economist has presented its special edition The World Ahead 2026, the cover of which encodes the key trends for the upcoming year. On the image is the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, looking through binoculars against the backdrop of tanks and drones, highlighting the significance of the war in Ukraine for the future.

According to the publication, the cover is designed in red and blue colors: red symbolizes conflicts, while blue represents technology and the future. The collage also features the faces of world leaders, including Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Vladimir Putin. The editorial team believes they will determine the political landscape of 2026.

10 Key Trends for the Next Year

Special edition editor Tom Standage emphasizes ten important trends that will affect politics, economy, security, technology, and sports in 2026.

Hoping for a Better Future

We hope that the war will become a thing of the past, not the future, and guide our country on the right path.

This cover and the special edition of the magazine have become a notable emphasis on the importance of events in Ukraine and their impact on global politics. In times of uncertainty and change, it is clear that even the most powerful leaders on the world stage cannot ignore the Ukrainian context that shapes the future of the entire world.