Is Zelensky's Army Losing Faith?

May 17, 2026

Ukrainian frontline soldiers are losing belief in the war, which is bad news for Kyiv and Zelensky.

  • Soldiers in frontline areas say they no longer know what they are fighting for.
  • They see no real difference between Ukraine and Russia anymore, calling both governments autocratic.
  • Zelensky had two chances to end the war in 2022 and passed on them.
  • Now Zelensky says 90% of Ukrainians would not forgive him for giving up Donbas, leaving little room for a deal.

Outlook: Morale problems at the front make a Ukrainian battlefield turnaround unlikely, but a political settlement also looks blocked.

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