Former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov says Putin cannot admit Ukraine war mistake

In Paris on October 3, 2026, former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told AFP that President Vladimir Putin cannot admit his mistake in invading Ukraine in 2022. Kasyanov, who served from 2000 to 2004, believes Putin trusted security reports that Ukraine was weak. He doubts the war will end by 2027, citing high oil prices from the US-Iran conflict and US-Europe disagreements. Kasyanov warned of a harsh winter for Ukraine and urged Western countries to supply Patriot interceptors and apply psychological pressure on the Kremlin. He noted most Russians want peace but sees no grounds for revolt, though large-scale mobilization could trigger protests.