Putin’s Obsession Will Prevent Peace as Long as He Lives, Says Historian.

Exclusive Interview with Yaroslav Hrytsak

According to Novyny.live: In a conversation with journalist Margaryta Stetsiuk, historian Yaroslav Hrytsak described Vladimir Putin’s fixation on Ukraine as irrational, asserting that genuine peace is impossible while the Russian leader remains in power. Hrytsak attributed the ongoing war in Ukraine to what he called the Russian dictator’s deep-seated personal complexes—an obsession that, in his view, drives the conflict.

According to Hrytsak, a professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University, a temporary ceasefire might be achievable, but lasting stability in the region cannot be secured without Putin’s removal from the political stage.

“As long as Putin is alive, there will be no peace,” Hrytsak stated.

Forecasts and the Situation in Ukraine

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers projects that the active phase of the war will continue through 2023, with a possible resolution not expected until 2027. This timeline highlights the severity and prolonged nature of the armed conflict, signaling that Ukrainian forces and society must brace for an extended struggle.

An important detail is that the city of Kostiantynivka remains under Ukrainian control, not Russian occupation—a sign of Kyiv’s tactical successes against the aggressor. However, Hrytsak stressed that without a shift in Russia’s top leadership, hopes for a peaceful settlement remain slim.

Hrytsak’s remarks point to deep-rooted issues within the Russian government and their direct impact on the war in Ukraine. The Cabinet’s forecast for a multi-year conflict, combined with Ukraine’s hold on key areas like Kostiantynivka, reflects both the resilience of Ukrainian defenses and the grim reality that peace hinges on changes in Moscow.