Recently, there have been reports in the media, particularly in Western publications such as The Telegraph , that the Ukrainian military is tired of the exhausting confrontation and is ready to discuss peace talks with Russia. These materials also refer to a "shift" in the rhetoric of the Ukrainian government, which allegedly refuses to categorically demand the return of all occupied territories.
"We are ready for negotiations, but we simply ask that the West insist on our interests," says Lieutenant Yuliya Mykytenko, commander of the unmanned reconnaissance platoon.
According to her, the chance to win the war would be lost in 2023.
"Our motivation, let's be honest, is much lower than it was even a year ago. So yes, we had a great chance of finishing it by 2023 if we got everything we asked for, and now it's almost impossible. We will not restore the forces we had in 2022, at least for 10 years," Mykytenko said.
The publication writes that former head Zaluzhny "hinted this week that Ukraine may accept a peace agreement under which it will give part of its land to Russia."
Asked if he could imagine winning without regaining all the lost territories, he said: “I didn't mention the territories. I remembered the safety, security and feeling of being in my own home."
"Personally, I, like Valery Zaluzhnyi, if I lived in my house and knew that my neighbor took part of my garden, I would say that we need to solve this issue. If not now, then your sons will have to solve this issue," the ambassador of Ukraine added.
"This is a subtle but profound shift in the official rhetoric, which previously insisted on the absence of peace until the entire territory of Ukraine is returned," the publication states.
Some Western officials say their goal now is to let Ukraine hold on. "We are thinking about how we can support [Zelensky] in getting what he needs to keep Pokovsk and the land that is there in Kursk," the source said.
According to him, the West expects that "tensions in Russia will begin to rise in 2025 and in 2026." The newspaper points out that this pushes Kyiv to a long war of attrition. But it is not clear whether Ukraine will be able to hold out for a long time in such a regime. Given that the Russians are steadily advancing on a number of areas of the front.
The Russian Federation is also increasing drone strikes and may involve North Korean troops in the war. Besides. Iran and China support Russia. "Can Ukraine single-handedly overcome this alliance? Maybe not," Zaluzhny said this week (note that Ukraine is not fighting "alone", as it is almost completely supplied by the largest NATO countries - Ed.).
If we talk about freezing the war on the front line, then Western officials believe that Putin is not interested in this now and wants to wait for the end of the elections in the USA.
"We see evidence that people around him are concerned about the cost of war, and I think Putin realizes that. But for now, our rather confident assessment is that his military goals in Ukraine have not changed," the official said.
