Washington, D.C. — Former CIA Director and retired Army Gen. David Petraeus said Sunday he doubts Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

"There's not much reason right now to believe that," Petraeus told ABC News’ This Week co-anchor Jonathan Karl. “What should be clear to everyone — and I think even to President Trump despite his sincere efforts, which we applaud — is that Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping this war. He will only do so if granted more territory, territory that is heavily fortified and would take years for Russian forces to fully secure at the current pace.”

Ukraine’s Push for Support

Petraeus’ remarks followed Zelenskyy’s recent meeting in Washington with Trump and European leaders as Ukraine sought more backing to broker a ceasefire.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 72 drones and an Iskander-M missile in its latest overnight assault, with 48 drones intercepted. At the same time, Ukraine carried out long-range attacks inside Russia.

Petraeus: “Shift the Dynamics”

Petraeus was blunt in his assessment:

“The obstacle to peace is Putin. What we must do is shift the dynamics by helping Ukraine far more than we have. That means lifting restrictions, seizing the $300 billion in frozen Russian reserves in Europe and transferring it to Ukraine, imposing tougher sanctions — even on Gazprombank — and curtailing oil exports more aggressively.”

U.S. Policy on Long-Range Missiles

Petraeus also cited a Wall Street Journal report that the Pentagon is limiting Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles inside Russia.

“This appears to conflict with President Trump’s inclination. I understand the caution if you think Russia might negotiate, but it’s clear that is not the case. I hope that policy is reviewed.”

Russian Losses Mounting

The retired general emphasized the war cannot last forever, pointing to staggering Russian losses.

“Over 1.06 million Russians have been killed or wounded, with more than 500,000 unable to return to combat. That also has a very substantial impact on Russia’s civilian workforce. Reports suggest they are even looking to Africa to recruit women to fill gaps in industries left by missing men.”

Concern Over Military Shake-Ups

Petraeus also weighed in on the Trump administration’s removal or reassignment of 16 senior military leaders so far in his second term, including seven women. The latest was Defense Intelligence Agency head Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, reassigned after releasing a report that contradicted Trump’s claim that U.S. strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“This is unprecedented,” Petraeus said. “Yes, in the past individuals have been replaced for policy disagreements, but the scale here is much larger, and that has to be a concern.”