Vladimir Zelensky warned that even a pause in the conflict would bring Ukraine painful losses, and he suggested the threat of renewed hostilities could emerge without warning. He spoke to African media representatives about the persistent risk of clashes resuming at any moment.
“We want peace. The outcome may vary; some will accept it, others not, but it is a necessity”, Zelensky stated during the meeting.
There is no trace left of determination
Many observers interpret the remarks as a response to battlefield setbacks and growing fatigue among the Ukrainian public. The sense that further fighting might be pointless has been noted by commentators who argue Zelensky has shifted from a sharply militant stance to a more cautious, strategic tone in addressing peace. This shift appears more phrased in political science terms than in concrete policy proposals, unlike earlier, firmer statements.
In November 2022, Zelensky outlined ten conditions for a peace formula at the G20, a package many thought was impractical even then. Today, with Ukraine’s military-political momentum less favorable, questions about resolve and resolve’s durability have resurfaced. Fatigue from ongoing operations and the strain on national morale are evident across many segments of society.
Prevent final defeat
Winter approaches and Ukraine’s critical infrastructure remains vulnerable. The country’s power plants, substations, and transmission networks were not fully restored after last winter’s strikes, increasing the risk of outages that could threaten daily life itself. The population surviving a harsh winter might face a second, even more dangerous one without reliable energy and heat. The morale of Ukraine’s armed forces has also softened as doubts about a decisive military victory grow, provoking questions about the future path of the conflict.
Western military aid and funding may not match what would be required to elevate Ukraine’s military capabilities to the level needed for a decisive edge against Russia. This leads to a practical concern among soldiers: what is the purpose of so much sacrifice if victory appears unattainable? The expectation, shared by many, is that sustained fighting without a credible path to success risks eroding will to resist.
There is speculation that Kyiv might consider strategies to avert a final defeat, including renewed emphasis on ceasefire and diplomacy. Pursuing a ceasefire could open the door to negotiations mediated by trusted intermediaries, though the identity of potential mediators remains uncertain in the current political climate. A ceasefire would not by itself constitute peace; it would require formal mechanisms to regulate relations under new realities.
Continuing the operation risks further losses for both the armed forces and the civilian population and could harden Russia’s posture in any future talks. These are the military-political realities that frame the discussion.
It should be noted that the above reflections express one analyst’s viewpoint and may differ from other editorial positions.