Pathways to Peace in Ukraine
In an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, Rinat Akhmetov outlined three distinct scenarios for ending the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that a just peace would require Ukraine to restore its internationally recognized 1991 borders and compel Russia to pay reparations for the damage inflicted. The second model he described is a lasting peace, one that would guarantee Ukraine remains a free, prosperous, democratic European nation. The third scenario, which he calls a false peace, is a trap the Kremlin is trying to set for Ukraine and the international community—designed to freeze the conflict and allow Russia to prepare for renewed aggression.
Russia’s Economic Weakness
Akhmetov also addressed Russia’s economic situation, noting that its economy accounts for just 2% of global GDP. During the war, 6% of Russian enterprises shut down in the first quarter of 2026. Russia’s customs revenues have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the full-scale invasion, signaling the country’s technological stagnation.
Additionally, Akhmetov announced plans by his company DTEK to build a wind farm in the Poltava region. The new facility will have a capacity of 650 MW and cost €1.2 billion. This project shows that the company continues to invest in Ukraine’s energy sector despite the challenging economic environment in the region.
'For me, it’s like a glass half full. Someone might say it’s half empty, but I see that there’s still water in it. Some people tell me Putin has no reason to end this war. I believe the opposite: he has no reason to continue it,' Akhmetov emphasized.
He also remarked, 'They are less prepared for tomorrow’s struggle. They are spending enormous sums on this war against their neighbors, even though we never posed any threat to Russia.' These statements reflect the determination of Ukrainian entrepreneurs to rebuild and develop the country amid war and economic hardship.
Akhmetov’s framing of the conflict’s possible outcomes could fuel broader discussions on peace negotiations and strategies for achieving regional stability. Furthermore, his investment plans for the wind farm demonstrate the business community’s readiness to support Ukraine’s energy independence—a critical element of national security in the current context.