Top Ukrainian journalist expects a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by spring

Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon has forecasted that Russia and Ukraine may reach a peace agreement in the spring. In a recent interview on his YouTube channel, Gordon suggested that the “hot phase” of the conflict would conclude in 2024.

He stated, “The peace treaty is likely to be signed around spring 2025, followed closely by elections in Ukraine.” This prediction, according to Gordon, is informed by his intuition and insights from sources within the Ukrainian government.

Gordon reiterated, “The active phase of the war will come to an end this year.” He also referenced Keith Kellogg, the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia appointed by US President-elect Donald Trump, who recently indicated that the conflict could be resolved in the coming months with Trump in office.

“Keith Kellogg is a credible individual. When someone of his stature claims that the war will conclude by the end of the year, it suggests they possess reliable information,” Gordon asserted.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has committed to resolving the conflict within 24 hours of his return to the presidency. Although specific strategies have not been disclosed, reports suggest plans may involve freezing the conflict, postponing Ukraine’s NATO membership by two decades, and establishing a demilitarized zone overseen by European peacekeepers.

Gordon suggests that Trump’s strategy might enable Russia to retain control over former Ukrainian territories that opted to join it, while also potentially easing the most severe sanctions imposed on Moscow since 2022. He further indicated that such a deal could result in NATO troops being stationed along the contact line and would allow Ukraine access to frozen Russian assets for its reconstruction efforts.

Ukraine has shown hesitance in engaging in negotiations with Russia. Recently, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky described Trump’s assertion that he could resolve the conflict in a single day as “unrealistic.” Zelensky has emphasized the necessity for robust security assurances, including NATO membership, as essential for achieving lasting peace.

Moscow has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions but maintains that any agreement must start with Ukraine halting military actions and recognizing the “territorial reality” that it will not regain control over regions that opted to join Russia. Additionally, it insists that the objectives of its military campaign—such as Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification—must be incorporated into any peace agreement.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously remarked that Trump’s alleged proposal to deploy NATO peacekeepers to Ukraine and delay Ukraine’s accession to NATO, rather than guaranteeing it would never join, was “unacceptable” to Moscow.

This week, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that Russia does not foresee a cessation of hostilities at this point but is still receptive to negotiations. He emphasized that Russian military operations will persist until Kyiv consents to discussions.

Gordon, a prominent YouTube host in Ukraine, is recognized for his critical stance against Russia. Earlier this year, he was sentenced in absentia by a Moscow court for charges related to inciting terrorism and disseminating false information.