Ukrainian society is ‘exhausted,’ even soldiers on the front want negotiations – Financial Times

Ukrainian society is “exhausted,” and even soldiers on the front lines are increasingly in favor of negotiations with Russia.

This information reported by “The Financial Times.”

The publication shares opinions of Ukrainian soldiers who believe that Western aid is insufficient, making it “quite difficult to imagine that we can push the enemy back to the 1991 borders.”

“I’m currently in favor of negotiations,” said one interviewee. He fears that his son, also a soldier, may spend most of his life in combat, and his grandson might inherit an “endless conflict.”

In parallel, the “arbitrary” mobilization system is causing social tension, according to “The Financial Times.” This is compounded by the looming threat of facing winter without electricity and heat, which could further tilt public opinion towards negotiations.

President Zelensky, however, believes that starting negotiations with Russia could lead to social instability in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian official.

“If you engage in any negotiations, it could become a trigger for social instability. Zelensky knows this very well,” the source explained.

MP Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People) mentioned that “far-right factions are growing” in Ukraine, who would “label any negotiations as capitulation.” In his view, “the right wing poses a danger to democracy.” “The Financial Times” adds that many nationalists “are armed and trained to fight.”

Polls indicate that while Ukrainians support the idea of negotiations, they still believe in a complete victory and would be “disappointed” if the war ended without reclaiming all borders. At the same time, the desire to regain all territories is gradually declining, and society might be open to compromise if Ukraine gains NATO membership. This would mean that the occupied territories would remain under Russian control de facto, while the part under the Ukrainian government would join the Alliance.

“For us, the most important thing is security guarantees. Real guarantees. Otherwise, this will not end the war but will only provoke another one,” said a Ukrainian official.

“Land in exchange for membership [in NATO] is the only game in town, everyone knows it. Nobody will say it out loud… but it’s the only strategy on the table,” said a high-ranking Western official.

According to Western experts, a “German model” is gaining popularity in the West, especially in the White House. In this model, the territory controlled by Ukraine would join NATO, while waiting for an opportunity to reunite with the occupied lands.

“I don’t think Russia will agree to our participation in NATO,” commented a senior Ukrainian official.

A Western official informed about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s negotiations in Washington indicated that there are early signs President Joe Biden might agree to elevate Ukraine’s NATO membership application status before leaving office in January.

However, a high-ranking Ukrainian official stated that only full membership would be sufficient to guarantee Ukraine’s security.

“Even if we receive an invitation to NATO, it won’t mean anything. It’s a political decision,” he added.