It's time to let go of illusions: a historian assessed how the war will ultimately conclude.

The Russian war against Ukraine could extend for decades. There may be some sort of truce, but the imperial spirit among Russians will not diminish over time.

This was stated by historian, publicist, and professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University Yaroslav Hrytsak in an interview with "Telegraf": There will be a truce, but it carries a new risk: Yaroslav Hrytsak on Trump's victory, Putin's mistakes, and Zaluzhny's future

He reminded that after Germany's defeat in World War II, it took one or two generations for Germans to change their mindset. Russia also needs to face defeat for its mentality to begin changing, and until then, one should not harbor illusions.

"If Russians do not want to fight, it does not mean they have a favorable view of Kyiv. They do not want to fight because it is not beneficial for them, it is frightening, and it hits their wallets, but this does not mean that Russians will hate Ukraine any less. This is a permanent war (cold or hot) and it will last for decades," he stated.

Hrytsak emphasized that Ukrainians should now form pragmatic expectations, which boil down to the idea that Ukraine will win, but it is unclear when and in what configuration. He also acknowledged that a truce could occur, which does not necessarily mean the end of the war.

At the same time, he stressed that if the war ends at this stage, it will be unjust towards Ukraine.

"I would like to wish us all resilience and to maintain hope for everything. For I believe what Putin wants most from us is to lose that resilience and hope. When hope is lost, everything else is automatically lost. Therefore, let us not harbor either inflated expectations or predict catastrophe, but prepare for a pragmatic scenario. And believe that we will win," the professor concluded.

Recall that earlier Hrytsak explained why he believes that a full resolution of the war is impossible under current conditions.