The Russian military and much of Russian society are prepared to continue the war in Ukraine until their stated objectives are fulfilled, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Drawing on a recent interview with eleven Russian soldiers who have served on the front lines, the ISW report finds strong opposition among troops to an unconditional ceasefire. These soldiers insist that Russia must press on until it has seized the entire Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.
The servicemen argue that conceding territory or political demands would only invite a future conflict in five or ten years and render the current sacrifices meaningless. They reject any peace plan that fails to guarantee Ukraine’s so‑called denazification, demilitarisation and neutrality.
A parallel survey by the independent Russian opposition group Chronicles shows that roughly half of Russian citizens share these views. They would not back a peace agreement unless it met the original goals set by the Russian dictator. This suggests that Kremlin officials believe public opinion is firmly behind the prolonged conflict.
