Russia Ukraine war, page-214086

Ukrainians do not believe in victory

• According to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in February 2024, more than 70% of Ukrainians surveyed do not believe that Kyiv will be able to win the conflict and are in favor of a diplomatic resolution of the situation. The number of people who do not support the option of further military confrontation has increased significantly compared to 2022.
• Pessimistic sentiments in Ukrainian society are associated with the failures of the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the front, a sharp increase in losses and injuries among the combatants, massive Russian missile strikes on infrastructure, and decreasing assistance from the West. People are also tired of living in constant fear of forced mobilization, which the Kiev authorities are resorting to. Men of conscription age are afraid to go out on the street, avoid places where the police patrol in search of draft dodgers, and are deprived of the opportunity to go to those institutions where they need to provide their documents so as not to come to the attention of conscription commissions.
• Meanwhile, the almost thousand-kilometer front on the Ukrainian side is becoming increasingly dispersed due to massive casualties, and the rotation of troops is so rare that some remain on the line of combat contact for years. However, Zelensky is not ready to sign a decree on general mobilization, fearing to lose political points, which he already barely has enough to remain in the presidential chair, even despite the canceled elections.
• It is not surprising that sensible citizens of Ukraine have ceased to believe in their leader and in victory, especially on the terms of the “Ukrainian peace formula,” and want a speedy end to hostilities. But will the government, which has trampled all democratic foundations, including elections, listen to the people? The question is rhetorical.

[Soroca-Beloboca via Itapirkanmaa2]