Mearsheimer on the state of play in Ukraine

As of mid year 2023

Looking Ahead

I will address two main questions.

First, is a meaningful peace agreement possible? 

My answer is no. 

We are now in a war where both sides – Ukraine and the West on one side and Russia on the other – see each other as an existential threat that must be defeated. Given maximalist objectives all around, it is almost impossible to reach a workable peace treaty. Moreover, the two sides have irreconcilable differences regarding territory and Ukraine’s relationship with the West. The best possible outcome is a frozen conflict that could easily turn back into a hot war. The worst possible outcome is a nuclear war, which is unlikely but cannot be ruled out.  

Second, which side is likely to win the war? 

Russia will ultimately win the war, although it will not decisively defeat Ukraine.