A defence technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that neither Russia nor Ukraine can fully prevail in an escalating war of long-range strikes that increasingly endangers civilians.
Key facts
- Serhii Beskrestnov, known by his call sign 'Flash', is Zelenskyy's defence technology adviser.
- He warned neither side can entirely prevail in the war.
- He cited a frontline deadlock and rising use of deep strikes.
- He raised concerns about Kyiv's prospects this winter.
- He suggested elderly people should be evacuated if Russian bombing knocks out the capital's energy supply.
Russia and Ukraine are locked in an escalating war of long-range strikes in which neither side can entirely prevail, according to a defence technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Guardian reports.
Serhii Beskrestnov, widely known by his call sign ‘Flash’, said the deadlock on the frontline and the increasing use of deep strikes are placing civilians and infrastructure at greater risk.
Beskrestnov said he was worried about the prospects for Kyiv this winter. He suggested elderly people should be evacuated in case Russian bombing were to knock out the capital’s energy supply.
The warning underscores concerns that a stalemate on the ground, combined with intensifying long-range attacks, could leave both sides facing significant harm without a decisive outcome.
According to the Guardian, the adviser framed the trajectory of the conflict as one in which ‘nobody will win’ if the war continues along its current path.
The comments highlight the growing focus on the coming winter as a period of heightened risk for civilians and energy infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital.
Why it matters
The warning from a senior Ukrainian adviser points to the human and infrastructure toll of a prolonged, deadlocked war. Concerns about Kyiv's energy supply this winter raise the prospect of serious hardship for civilians, including the elderly.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Serhii Beskrestnov?
He is a defence technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, widely known by his call sign 'Flash'.
What is the main warning?
He warned that neither Russia nor Ukraine can entirely prevail in the escalating war of long-range strikes, with growing risk to civilians and infrastructure.
What did he say about Kyiv this winter?
He said he was worried about Kyiv's prospects and suggested elderly people should be evacuated in case Russian bombing knocks out the capital's energy supply.