CNN names five possible scenarios for the end of the war in Ukraine

The US TV channel CNN has analysed possible options for the outcome of the war in Ukraine after the probable meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. According to journalists, only one scenario is really positive for Kiev - the so-called "Afghan" scenario, in which Russia will be defeated and will get bogged down in a protracted conflict.

Possible scenarios according to CNN

1. An unconditional ceasefire by Putin
   Almost unbelievable: Russia has already rejected such proposals, and is now stepping up its offensive in the east. Pressure on China and India is unlikely to change Moscow's position.

2. Pragmatism: negotiations for the sake of negotiations
   A realistic way to "freeze" the front in winter. If Russia captures strategic towns like Pokrovsk or Kupyansk, it will strengthen its bargaining position and may try to challenge the legitimacy of President Zelensky.

3. Ukraine has been holding out for two years
   Continued U.S. and EU military aid will hold the frontline and force Moscow to return to dialogue. Europe could introduce a NATO "deterrent force" near Kiev and major cities.

4. Disaster for Ukraine and NATO
   If US support ends, Russia could break through the defences and move inland. Europe alone will not hold the situation together. This is the worst-case scenario: collapse of defences, political crisis and threat of loss of statehood.

5. Collapse for Putin: the Afghan scenario
   A prolonged war, rising casualties, sanctions pressure, deteriorating relations with China and India, and an internal crisis in the Russian Federation. As in the case of Prigozhin's rebellion, external "stability" could collapse suddenly. This is the only scenario that CNN considers win-win for Ukraine.

Ukraine's General Staff's position

Alexander Sirsky, Commander-in-Chief of the AFU, emphasised that the war must end on Ukraine's terms. To do this, it is necessary to inflict such losses on the enemy that will force him to stop fighting not from a position of strength, but under the pressure of circumstances.

Would you like me to make a comparative table of these five scenarios with pros and cons for Ukraine? It would clearly show why CNN singles out only the last one as favourable.