Ukrainian businessman and former oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky believes that genuine peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia may begin only after Vladimir Putin leaves power. In his view, a change in Kremlin leadership could fundamentally alter the course of the war and open the way for Ukraine to restore its internationally recognized 1991 borders.
Kolomoisky made the remarks while discussing prospects for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“For now, we have only one positive factor — Putin’s age. He is already 74. At some point, there has to be an end,” the businessman said.
According to his prediction, a change of leadership in Russia could lead to negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement involving not only an end to hostilities but also a return to the 1991 borders, a review of sanctions against Moscow, and the gradual restoration of relations.
“As soon as things change there, I think negotiations will immediately begin on real peace, the 1991 borders, the lifting of sanctions, and a return to something resembling normal relations,” Kolomoisky said.
He compared this potential scenario to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, when Moscow eventually pulled its forces out of the country without retaining control over the territories it had occupied.
At the same time, Kolomoisky acknowledged that his prediction was far from guaranteed. He suggested that Ukraine would have to continue resisting Russian aggression while waiting for political change in Moscow.
“For now, we have to wait and endure. But that is how I see things at the moment. Everything changes. The dynamics can be different,” he concluded.
His comments are particularly notable not only because of his predictions about Russia’s future but also because of his own political background.
Kolomoisky was one of Ukraine’s most influential oligarchs for decades, a former co-owner of PrivatBank, the country’s largest bank, and a major media figure. His name has long been associated with Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory in Ukraine’s 2019 presidential election.
It was on the Kolomoisky-controlled television channel 1+1 that programs produced by Zelensky’s Kvartal 95 studio and the popular television series *Servant of the People* were broadcast. In the series, Zelensky portrayed a fictional Ukrainian president before entering politics himself.
During the 2019 presidential campaign, the channel provided Zelensky with significant media exposure. This fueled speculation about the oligarch’s political influence over the future president, although both men denied that Kolomoisky controlled Zelensky.
In September 2023, Kolomoisky was taken into custody on suspicion of financial crimes. He denied the allegations. The businessman has also been subject to U.S. sanctions.
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