• Boris Johnson has conceded a “realistic possibility” that Russia could win the war in Ukraine.
• He also acknowledged suggestions that the war could last until 2023.
• The Russian president will “not be able to conquer the spirit of the Ukrainian people,” Johnson added. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said there is a “realistic possibility” that the war in Ukraine could continue until the end of next year but insisted Vladimir Putin would fail in trying to “grind the Ukrainians down.”

During a press conference in India Friday, the prime minister was asked about comments from Western officials, who suggested “Putin was still in a position to win” despite making strategic blunders, and whether the war could run on until the end 2023.

Johnson said: “The sad thing is, that is a realistic possibility. 

“Putin has a vast army. He has a challenging political position because he’s made a catastrophic blunder.

The only option is to continue using his appalling, grinding approach — led by artillery — trying to grind the Ukrainians down. And he’s very close to securing a land bridge in Mariupol.”

Warning the situation remained “unpredictable,” the prime minister praised the “incredible heroism of the Ukrainians and their willingness to fight.” 

He added: “No matter what military superiority Vladimir Putin may be able to bring to bear in the next few months — and I agree it could be an extended period — he will not be able to conquer the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

“That is just an observable fact. On the contrary, what he is doing every day is strengthening and reinforcing that will to resist in the people of Ukraine.”