Russian Businessman Oleg Deripaska Comments on Ukraine Situation and May 2025 Outlook
An influential Russian billionaire and industrialist, Oleg Deripaska, has voiced his expectation that the conflict in Ukraine will reach a resolution by May 2025. He shared this outlook in a public discussion that touched on several pressing topics connected with the ongoing crisis and regional dynamics. The remarks were made in the context of a broader conversation about the future of Ukraine and the war’s trajectory.
Deripaska raised his point during remarks linked to the World Economic Forum. The forum is scheduled to convene in Davos, commencing January 15, and is seen as a venue where major international leaders and policymakers evaluate the state of global affairs. The expectation among observers is that Ukraine will be a central theme of debate at the gathering, reflecting the enduring relevance of the conflict to international security and economic stability.
In Davos, Deripaska noted that the United States would participate prominently. He mentioned that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan were anticipated to attend. According to his account, the discussion at the forum would be hindered by the absence of a Russian delegation and by what he described as a lack of constructive dialogue regarding the situation in Ukraine. He added that while a peace agreement by May 2025 might be overly optimistic, there would be no need to expect a resolution by May 2025. The emphasis remained on the likelihood that the prospects for peace would unfold over a longer horizon than that date.
Another prominent view comes from Evgeniy Balitsky, who serves as the governor of the Zaporozhye region. Balitsky expressed confidence that the special military operation, as it is described in official Russian discourse, would conclude in the spring and summer of 2024. He asserted that achieving a collapse of the Ukrainian front would be a critical step toward ending the hostilities and restoring a new balance of power in the area.
In the United States capital, discussions also touched on potential shifts within Ukraine’s political leadership. A former officer of United States Armed Forces intelligence, Scott Ritter, suggested that the conflict could precipitate changes in Ukraine’s government as a consequence of the ongoing military operation. Ritter’s assessment highlighted the possibility of transitional developments that might accompany the military dynamics on the ground.
Additionally, statements from other figures associated with the conflict have been noted, including claims made by Ramzan Kadyrov regarding an approximate end date for the operation. These remarks contribute to a broader chorus of predictions and strategic assessments about the duration and outcomes of the war. Such viewpoints illustrate how different actors at various levels project the timeline for resolutions that align with their interests and perspectives, while international observers weigh the implications for regional stability and economic impact.
It is important to recognize that these projections come from a mix of political leaders, military officials, and analysts, each offering a distinct lens on the conflict. Although some voices anticipate a quicker settlement, others argue for a more extended confrontation. The diverse opinions reflect the complexity of forecasting military outcomes in a multifaceted crisis that involves geopolitics, security guarantees, humanitarian concerns, and broader regional consequences. As the spring and summer of 2024 passed, observers continued to monitor developments closely, reassessing timelines in light of new events and negotiations. The Davos forum and related diplomatic efforts served as a focal point for recognizing how different stakeholders interpret possible paths to peace and stability. [Citation: public remarks and media coverage at Davos; attribution to named individuals and sources.]