BBC forecast for 2026: the war in Ukraine may end on Putin's terms.

According to ТСН: The conflict in Ukraine may be resolved in 2026, but on terms favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin. China will continue to strengthen its position, and its plans regarding Taiwan will become clearer. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump may further distance the country from Europe.

What awaits the war in Ukraine in 2026?

Experts believe that the coming 2026 year may mark an important stage. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky may find himself in a situation where he has to agree to a peace deal, sacrificing part of the territory.

“Will there be enough reliable guarantees to stop President Putin from trying to return for new acquisitions in a few years? For Ukraine and its European allies, who already feel they are at war with Russia, this is a key question,”

European countries will need to take greater responsibility in supporting Ukraine, and the withdrawal of the United States, which is occasionally threatened, will create a serious burden on Europe.

Could the conflict turn into a nuclear war?

Experts point to the risks associated with Putin's policies. A more cautious leader is unlikely to have gone for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin's inner circle sometimes makes terrifying threats, while he himself usually chooses a more restrained rhetoric.

“As long as Americans remain active NATO members, the risk that they may respond with a devastating nuclear strike is still too great. At least, for now,”

China's attack on Taiwan

Regarding China, President Xi Jinping has recently avoided direct threats against Taiwan. However, two years ago, the then-Director of the CIA stated that Xi ordered the army to be ready for a possible invasion of the island by 2027.

“If China does not take decisive steps to establish control over Taiwan, Xi Jinping may appear quite weak. And he would not want that. One might think that China is currently too strong and wealthy to care about public opinion at home. This is not the case,”

The Third World War

The author of the article believes that China will continue to strengthen its position, and the strategy for capturing Taiwan will become an important ambition for Xi.

“Perhaps the war in Ukraine will be resolved, but on terms favorable to President Putin. He may get the opportunity to return for new Ukrainian territories when he is ready,”

As for Trump, even if his political influence decreases after the midterm elections, he is likely to continue to distance the US from Europe. This could pose serious consequences for Europe.

“If you thought that the Third World War would be a shootout using nuclear weapons, think again. It is much more likely that it would be a combination of diplomatic and military maneuvers, resulting in the flourishing of autocracy. This may even threaten the western alliance itself. And this process has already started,”

According to expert Pavel Lakiychuk, the Kremlin does not consider ending hostilities a priority and is preparing the army for continued active operations at least until the end of 2026, despite Trump’s peace initiatives.

In light of the current situation, it is important to pay attention to the possibility of continued military actions in Ukraine. The complex international situation and the strategic interests of great powers influence the development of events. Society must be ready for any changes in the context of international relations, as this can significantly affect security and stability in the region.