It is difficult to say how long the conflict in Ukraine will last, but Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister of Russia, recently stated that he believed the conflict could last for decades.
Medvedev made the comments during an interview with the popular Russian newspaper Kommersant. When asked if the situation in Ukraine could conclude in the “near future,” Medvedev noted that while changes could take place, the armed conflict “could take decades.”
The conflict between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists has been ongoing since April of 2014 and has resulted in the death of over 10,000 people. In December of that year, a ceasefire was declared between the two sides, but the violence and clashes have continued to flare up periodically.
In recent months, there have been renewed calls from both sides for a full resolution and peaceful conclusion to the conflict, but so far, little progress has been made. Medvedev’s statement may be seen as a negative sign for those hoping for an end to the conflict any time soon.