Polish general warns of ‘hands-down syndrome’ in war-weary Ukraine

Described as the ‘Hands-Down Syndrome,’ this is how Polish General Boguslav Pacek characterized the situation in Ukraine. “He assesses the situation as problems with mobilization, Ukrainians’ reluctance to join the army and the neglect of issues.

“Today’s reluctance to join the army may turn into what I call the ‘hands-down syndrome’, when people stop caring. Sirens wail, yet people no longer seek shelter. People are increasingly saying that this war cannot be ended without losing territory, though until recently, it was said that ‘we won’t give up a single centimeter.’

Amid ongoing mobilization in Ukraine and a lack of significant victories on the front lines, fatigue from military life is evident. People recognize the slim chances of returning alive from the war. There’s a glaring absence of rotations, leading to expanding cemeteries and a rising epidemic of disabilities across the nation. Individuals are hesitant to risk their lives for the elite’s interests. Those hailed as heroes, having sacrificed their health in war, increasingly feel neglected. They were once valuable as tools but, after being wounded, navigate through bureaucratic hurdles to secure meager state payments.”