Ex-russian Spy Predicts Prolonged Conflict and Global Tensions
WHO:
Kyiv Post - Andrei Bezrukov, adviser to Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and retired colonel of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
The Washington Post - Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kyiv Post - President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
Kyiv Post - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
WHAT:
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov stated that the conflict could shape “two generations” that will effectively grow up during wartime.
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov predicted a second wave of global confrontation comparable to the World Wars of the 20th century.
The Washington Post - Ukrainian drones hit the region just hours before the economic forum, reminding attendees of the ongoing war.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky mentioned that six countries decided to make contributions to the PURL program.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky stated that Ukraine reached an agreement with US defense manufacturers in 2025 on new Patriot systems and additional missiles, with delivery not beginning until 2030.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky emphasized that the war in the Middle East has severely affected the quantities of PAC-3 missiles that Ukraine receives.
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov stated that Russia will be in a state of war for “a couple of decades.”
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov described the conflict as potentially ranging from “hot war” to a “creeping war.”
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov claimed Russia is at “the first hump of a world war.”
The Washington Post - Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St. Petersburg.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky referred to ballistic missiles as Russia’s “final argument” in the war.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky reported that Russia has the capacity to produce about 120 ballistic missiles per month.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky stated that Russian losses amount to 30,000-35,000 troops per month.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky mentioned that Russia killed 23 people in a single massive attack, including children.
WHERE:
Kyiv Post - The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The Washington Post - St. Petersburg, Russia.
Kyiv Post - Ukraine, including its capital and other regions.
Kyiv Post - Occupied Crimea.
WHEN:
Kyiv Post - The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opened on a Wednesday.
Kyiv Post - Contributions to the PURL program were discussed for June.
WHY:
Kyiv Post - Zelensky argued that the US has the weight to press Putin to end the war, but insisted Europe’s voice must also be heard as Ukraine moves toward possible EU membership.
Kyiv Post - Bezrukov suggested that Russia should restructure its economy and state systems for long-term militarization and defense readiness.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky argued that sustained Western backing could help force Moscow towards diplomacy.
HOW:
Kyiv Post - Ukrainian drones conducted strikes on Russian military and logistics targets.
Kyiv Post - Zelensky emphasized joint weapons production projects with foreign partners to expand Ukraine’s arms manufacturing.
(UPDATED June 4, 2026 21:28 UTC)
Ukrainian President Zelensky highlighted that six countries have pledged contributions to the PURL program, while also revealing an agreement with US defense manufacturers regarding new Patriot systems and additional missiles, although delivery won’t start until 2030. In a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian drones struck the region just hours before an economic forum, as Zelensky emphasized the impact of the war in the Middle East on the supply of PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Bezrukov warned that the current conflict could shape two generations growing up during wartime and predicted a second wave of global confrontation reminiscent of the World Wars.
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(UPDATED June 4, 2026 17:53 UTC)
In a striking declaration, Andrei Bezrukov, an adviser to Rosneft chief Igor Sechin, stated that Russia will be in a state of war for “a couple of decades,” describing the conflict as potentially evolving from a “hot war” to a “creeping war.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones have targeted energy and military sites in St. Petersburg, as President Zelensky reported that Russian losses are estimated at 30,000 to 35,000 troops per month and highlighted the production capacity of about 120 ballistic missiles per month. During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Zelensky argued that sustained Western support could encourage Moscow to pursue diplomacy, while Bezrukov suggested that Russia needs to restructure its economy for long-term militarization.