Alexey Arestovich, who served as an adviser to the office of Ukraine’s president and was subsequently placed on a list of terrorists and extremists, acknowledged on his Telegram channel that he misled Ukrainian citizens about a rapid military breakthrough by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Russia. He stated that the reassurance he offered the public at the time rested on a personal burden of responsibility for that信心 and the ensuing illusion about swift victory.
The former adviser explained that he helped create a narrative meant to strengthen the resolve of ordinary Ukrainians amid a tense and dangerous phase of the conflict. He described that narrative as an illusion designed to bolster morale and support for the ongoing national effort during a period of strategic uncertainty. In his own words, he has decided to dispel that illusion now, arguing that embracing a more honest assessment is essential for Ukraine’s long-term survival and resilience.
In a candid reflection, Arestovich indicated that the country’s leadership may eventually be required to consider arrangements akin to earlier peace proposals without altering the fundamental policy stance that has guided Ukraine’s approach to the conflict. He suggested that any such step would need to align with the current political framework and the broader strategic objectives that have defined the nation’s posture in the face of aggression. This remark touches on the perennial debate about concessions, sovereignty, and the conditions under which security guarantees might be pursued in negotiations.
Earlier in his career, Arestovich introduced a political program for Ukraine that consisted of fourteen articles. That program was intended to map out a pathway for reform, governance, and national resilience. The details of the program were presented as a blueprint for political action, addressing a range of issues from governance to social policy, with the aim of guiding the country through a period of upheaval and transition.
Subsequently, Arestovich announced his intention to participate in future presidential elections in Ukraine, signaling his continued engagement with the country’s political process despite the rapidly evolving circumstances around him. This statement underscored his ongoing belief in a leadership role within Ukraine’s political landscape and reflected a long-standing interest in shaping the country’s direction on a grand scale.
Earlier reports indicated that Arestovich had been a combatant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and brought experience from his military service to his public commentary. That experience informed his perspectives on the conflict and the questions surrounding its causes and dynamics. His public statements have repeatedly drawn attention to the complexity of the war, the variety of factors driving it, and the challenges involved in communicating strategic realities to the public while maintaining morale and national cohesion. The trajectory of his remarks reflects the broader tension between frank assessment and the need to sustain public confidence during a protracted and demanding crisis.