# Ukrainian Analyst: Both Sides Weighing War Termination Options Strategic deadlock persists as neither Russia nor Ukraine finds concessions viable currently. - **Source:** [Gazeta Wyborcza](https://wyborcza.pl) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2ebc93ac-babb-446d-988a-1e4fcc3a4e4e ## Strategic Stalemate Dynamics Ukrainian political scientist Mykola Kapitonenko argues that both Russia and Ukraine are currently locked in a difficult strategic stalemate. While both nations have begun contemplating the eventual termination of the ongoing war, the internal political costs of making territorial or policy concessions remain significantly higher than continuing the active military conflict. ## The Cost of Concessions Kapitonenko emphasizes that the primary obstacle to peace is the perception of weakness associated with compromise. For both Kyiv and Moscow, the domestic political fallout of offering concessions is viewed as more damaging than the current attrition of war. This calculation prevents meaningful diplomatic breakthroughs despite the shared desire for ending hostilities. ## Political Barriers to Peace The political landscape in both countries makes unilateral concessions nearly impossible to justify to their respective populations. Leaders face intense pressure to maintain their stated war objectives, as any deviation is interpreted as a defeat. Consequently, the diplomatic space for negotiation remains extremely narrow, effectively stalling any formal peace process initiatives. ## Enduring Military Attrition The ongoing military operations continue to drain resources and lives, yet this attrition has not forced a change in the fundamental political stance of either side. The conflict persists because the perceived risk of stopping the fighting without achieving core objectives outweighs the immediate benefits of a ceasefire or a negotiated settlement. ## Diplomatic Deadlock Analysis Diplomatic efforts are currently hampered by the lack of a mutually acceptable framework for peace. Kapitonenko suggests that until the cost-benefit analysis shifts for the leadership in both capitals, the war will likely continue. The absence of a compromise mechanism means that both parties remain committed to their current military trajectories. ## Internal Political Pressures Domestic stability is a critical factor influencing the decision-making process in both Ukraine and Russia. Leaders must navigate public expectations and nationalist sentiments, which strictly limit the scope for diplomatic flexibility. This internal pressure creates a feedback loop where the continuation of war is seen as the only viable political path. ## Future Negotiation Prospects Future prospects for peace depend on a significant shift in the strategic environment or domestic political conditions. Without such a change, the current deadlock is expected to persist indefinitely. Observers should monitor for any signs of changing rhetoric or shifts in domestic support that could potentially alter these rigid political calculations. ## Conclusion on Conflict Resolution Ultimately, the desire for peace is insufficient to end the conflict when the political price of concessions is deemed too high. Kapitonenko’s assessment highlights the tragic reality that both sides are trapped by their own political narratives. Ending the war requires more than just intent; it requires a fundamental shift in strategy. ## Sources covering this story - https://wyborcza.pl/7,75399,33125742,ukrainski-politolog-obie-strony-mysla-o-zakonceniu-wojny-ale.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._