Public opinion is highly polarized concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a significant majority expressing support for Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression. Many comments focus on the human cost of the conflict, advocating for peace and resolution. There are also notable voices calling for Russian accountability while criticizing the perceived sensationalism of media narratives. Overall, the sentiment reflects empathy for civilians and a strong desire to end the violence.

Zelensky

Russia

Western governments

The fact that they’re so blatant with Hitler’s Czechoslovakia playbook really shows we learn nothing from history. Not exactly sure how the Russian’s view fascism, but surely all of the rhetoric about uniting Russian speaking people in Eastern Europe is a little egregious?

Hamiltonblewit

putin feels his power over ukraine slipping, As ukraine gets more weapons such as long range tomahawks

even their navy shall be built up so they can stop the flow of oil happening on shadow tanker ships

putin understands not the unity of the slav people and wants to slaughter and destroy all ukrainian speaking and culture. Therefore becoming the great eraser of slavs

and implementing a muslim imported nation, marrying russian women with muslims and asians.

truly a shame for real russians

Electrical_Quality_6

Imagine violently forcing a people with their own history, culture and even language to be Russian and claiming it's in the name of unity. How do you even say something like this with a straight face?

TheActualDonKnotts

People picture wars in their head as burning hot and fast, but the reality is that they're all pretty long affairs. This is just the first true "war" of most young people's lifetimes.

The USA spent over 8 years in vietnam.

WWII was 6 years.

WWI was 4 years.

Civil war was 4 years.

Revolutionary war was 8 years.

GFrohman

Putin doesn’t want to stop because Russia is currently (slowly) gaining territory on the battlefield.

A ceasefire isn’t necessarily in Ukraine’s interest, either, for several reasons:

1. It would probably mean essentially giving up on lost territories to achieve a ceasefire

2. Sanctions and isolation are gradually bleeding Russia dry, and Ukraine wouldn’t want the pressure taken off them

3. Any ceasefire with Russia would inevitably be temporary and would give Russia breathing space to recruit and train new forces and rearm for another attack, something Russia can do much faster than Ukraine

Norwester77

As wars go 3 and half years is not very long. If you [sort the list](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_conflicts_by_duration) by duration you'll fine a decent handful that are less than 3 years and then hundreds that are longer.

xervir-445

Because the Western countries are willing to provide enough Aid to limit Russia's advance, but not enough Aid to wipe them out.

Concise_Pirate

When Biden said Russia was getting ready to invade Ukraine, I thought "Don't be ridiculous.  It'll bog down and drag on for years and Putin knows it."  Apparently I was half right?

When it actually happened, my next thought was Richard Thompson should prepare a Russian language version of Dad's Gonna Kill Me.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-yySxecVAg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-yySxecVAg)

[https://genius.com/Richard-thompson-dads-gonna-kill-me-lyrics](https://genius.com/Richard-thompson-dads-gonna-kill-me-lyrics)

What person in their right mind ***did not*** think the Ukraine invasion was going to turn into a years long clusterfuck?

cheesewiz_man

Hoo boy, here we go.

__It's 1917, and Woodrow Wilson is the U.S. President.__

&gt; by the beginning of World War I, the Donets Basin had developed into the principal iron and steel producing region of the Russian Empire. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s Five-Year Plans greatly accelerated industrial development in the Donbas during the interwar years, albeit at an enormous human cost to the Ukrainian peasantry. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian peasants were deported to Siberia, and millions perished as a result of Stalin’s man-made famine

&gt;  World War II caused heavy damage to mines, plants, and towns. Many industrial assets were destroyed by the Soviets ahead of the German advance as part of their scorched-earth retreat, and the local population suffered brutal treatment under Nazi occupation

&gt; Throughout the postwar Soviet period, the Donbas remained a key centre of heavy industry and coal production

&gt; With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Donbas became a major industrial engine of the economy of independent Ukraine

&gt; In 2004 Ukrainian Pres. Leonid Kuchma presented Yanukovych as his successor, but Yanukovych faced a strong challenge from opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko. During the presidential campaign, Yushchenko was prevented from speaking in the Donbas by local authorities, and he became seriously ill from dioxin poisoning in an apparent assassination attempt

&gt; Yanokovych was declared victorious, however, a result that was quickly recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin

&gt; Meanwhile, in the Donbas, a meeting of _Moscow-supported politicians_ recognized Yanukovych as president and considered a referendum on whether the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk should become autonomous and ultimately secede from Ukraine and join Russia

&gt; Yanukovych was elected president in 2010, and he immediately pivoted away from the pro-European course that Yushchenko had set in favor of a strongly pro-Russian foreign and domestic policy

__Now, we're approaching the tail end of Obama's Presidency.__

&gt; In February 2014 Yanukovych attempted to quash the demonstration with a bloody crackdown that killed dozens of protesters and destroyed his political base. Impeached by an overwhelming parliamentary majority that included members of his own party, Yanukovych fled to Russia. Within days Putin, deprived of his lever in Kyiv, invaded the Ukrainian autonomous republic of Crimea

&gt; __During the summer of 2014, the Ukrainian military pushed back Russian and separatist forces throughout the Donbas__, recapturing the cities of Mariupol, Slov’yansk, and Kramatorsk and waging a pitched battle for control of the Donetsk airport

&gt; _Several attempts were made to negotiate a cease-fire_, and __in February 2015 talks in Minsk, Belarus, led to an agreement that saw most heavy weapons being withdrawn from the line__ of contact that ran through the Donbas

&gt; by 2022 the war in the Donbas had claimed more than 14,000 lives. From the beginning of hostilities, Putin had denied—implausibly—the involvement of Russian personnel in the Donbas war, _but in late 2021 it appeared that Russia was preparing for overt military action against Ukraine_

So you see, this shite has been going on for quite some time.

joelfarris

Putin can’t afford to “not win.”

Ukraine wants to continue to exist.

chrstgtr

Because neither side is willing to make any concessions. 

Russia wants to keep most of the Ukrainian territory it has captured without future security guarantees for Ukraine. 

Ukraine isn't willing to cede even a single square inch of land.

readySponge07

No-Profession422

The soviets were in Afghanistan for ten years. The US and its allies were in Afghanistan for twenty. Three and a half is nothing.

Revxmaciver

So for a war to end, either one side or the other must "win"--that is, achieve its objectives (such as conquering all of Ukraine, as Russia has stated as its objective--or reclaiming all of Ukraine (including Crimea, annexed in 2014) for Ukraine, as Ukraine as stated as its objective), or one side or both sides must exhaust its ability to fight by running out of men or materiel to conduct the war. 

(Running out of materiel to conduct the war does not necessarily mean the other side can automatically achieve its objectives.)

But ultimately both sides must agree to stop fighting--or at least agree that it is no longer able to continue fighting. Or both sides simply run out of the ability to fight: all that is left on the battle field are the dead, and tired soldiers armed with nothing but sticks and rocks and a desire to just go home.

----

Russia has not achieved its objective of conquering all of Ukraine, and Russia has repeatedly stated it has no desire to change its objectives.

Ukraine has not achieves its objective of reclaiming all of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and Ukraine has repeatedly stated it has no desire to change its objectives.

So we're in the 'last man standing' part of this war where both sides will exhaust themselves.

And really, the only thing that can change the course of history here is if someone assassinated the leadership of Russia, and new leadership took its place which decided the war is not worth continuing.

And I don't think the same thing can be said about Ukraine--because Ukraine is the side that got invaded. An assassination of Ukrainian leadership would simply create martyrs.

w3woody

You are only aware of the last few years, when Ukrainians were as war since 2014. 

Some conflicts are very long but not always very intense. Some conflicts have long periods when nothing happens. Some never end officially but are at risk of being restarted and some aren’t. 

For example Russia never signed post WW2 peace treaty with Japan. 

Azerbaijan and Armenia had on an off conflicts since 80s (?). It finally ended this year ( or so we hope)

HVP2019

Ukraine’s allies are providing enough support to maintain the war without being able to push back. They’re hoping Russia will burn out and collapse, but everyone has underestimated their ability to keep fighting and resupplying the front with men and weapons. 

This could easily go on for another 5 years with Russia making slow but steady progress.

Staar69

Russia has unofficially been at war with the West for sometime now:
- Ukraine
- Crimea
- Interference in Moldova and Romanian
- War in Georgia
- Poisoning of Litvinenko and the Skripals
- Countless hacks against the West
- Interference in UK and US elections

Are just a handful of them.

Putin wants to appear powerful and control the narrative. And he is doing so, aided by a consistently weak response from Western leaders. And at the rate we're going, the response will be even weaker. So expect it to last much longer because Putin won't just suddenly withdraw.

Cult-Film-Fan-999

People forget that this is just the war making the western news, there are over 110 wars being fought right now. 

If this is as advanced as humans can get, it’s a fucking embarrassment. Fighting over land, money and religion. We are truly thick as a species.

Choice-Ad-2725

I heard it was supposed to end the first day that Trump became president

Silly_Sense_8968

stefan771

I highly suggest watching the YT channel “Perun” who covers this topic and many more, and goes pretty in-depth on them too.

DD-557

Because wars lasted longer then you think

Va1crist

It is not 'got tired' it is needed the war to end or it was not possible to continue the war.

When America revolted against British rule etc Britain send some resources to take back their territory, the Americans resisted etc this went on for some time before Britain, who was dealing with Spain and France in conflict, along with all the other stuff going on said 'out of all the problems we have right now, the colony with no long term bases, no major trading hubs, filled with hostile 'natives' etc, is the least of out problems,' So not 'tired' they just felt it was a waste of resources, they could just walk away from.

russia in Ukraine was a mistake for russia, geopolitically they can not afford to just walk away, politically they can not afford losing the war, economically they can not afford the war to continue.... or end, russia has no good options other than bluffing the previously stated items are not true. Ukraine however is fighting for it survival, even if every single piece of aid stopped tomorrow, the resistance will continue, it will just get massively more bloody.

RogueAOV

It is now a war of attrition. Each side is trying to wear down the other. The Russians are convinced that they can throw enough lives at the Ukrainians that they will eventually collapse. The Ukrainians are fighting for their existence and realize that, like the Soviet misadventure in Afghanistan, they just need to hold out long enough for the Russian state to economically implode.

PenTestHer

Wasn't it supposed to end on Jan 21, 2025?

Useful-Ad7720

YoghurtDefiant666

There's only two ways this war ends: 


Ukraine caves in to trump-putin's demands and gifts putin a quarter of their country to temporarily appease putin and give russia time to restock and rearm. 


Or putin dies and in the ensuring chaos from the power vacuum Russia withdraws. 

Silly-Power

By Brendan Cole and Shane Croucher: 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he does not seek to lead his country during peacetime once Russia's war is over.

"My goal is to finish the war," Zelensky told Axios in a new interview, saying Ukraine would hold presidential elections when the Russian invasion ends. Only part of Zelensky's interview was published. The rest is due for release on Friday, Axios said.

Read more: [https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-zelensky-elections-russia-war-10695491?utm\_source=reddit&amp;utm\_campaign=reddit\_main](https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-zelensky-elections-russia-war-10695491?utm_source=reddit&amp;utm_campaign=reddit_main)

newsweek

I remember reading an article where he said once the war is over and he no longer in charge all he's wants to do is sleep on a beach for several weeks.

IllustriousGerbil

Completely understandable. I can't even try to comprehend how incredible taxing this must be in him.

helican

Can‘t imagine what the whole global situation would have looked like without him. He really was the right man for the job.

Tom_the_Fudgepacker

People have short term memory issues,  he's stated this from the beginning.  He'll have an election when the constitution says he can.

whosjfrank

No offense, but he looks like 10 years older since the full invasion in 2022. So I'd be more surprised if he didn't end the presidency when the war was over.

Can't even imagine how stressful it must be every day when you make decisions that decide over millions of lives and an entire country on a daily basis. And when you make a mistake, thousands could die. And unlike his enemies, he actually cares about his people which actually makes it a lot more difficult and stressful.

GlobalFriendship5855

I don't blame him, the man must be beyond exhaustion by this point

InAppropriate-meal

I think both Trump and Putin dislike Zelensky (the first just doesn’t like him, the second outright hates him and feels insecure because of him). They really want elections in Ukraine that bring in someone more “willing to compromise.” They might even push the idea of a “freeze and elections.” But honestly, if Zaluzhny were to replace Zelensky, nothing would really change for them

Ialaika

Hu-Duuh

nelsonself

Deep_Blue_Kitsune

"BREAKING NEWS: Foreign leader says thing he said years ago, but now... Again"... Fuck our news outlets man. Why don't they go report on the pedophile president who is ACTIVELY getting away with it?

GoofyTunes

"I don't need a flight out of my country. I need ammunition." 

If anyone deserved a very long holiday and ride into the sunset to retire in peace it is Volodymyr Zelensky. What a leader.

prof_dr_mr_obvious

thedatsun78

mikbatula

Fucking well deserved. I deeply hope to meet him in bar some time and buy him a drink.

mawktheone

This isn't really news to anyone paying attention. He wants what's best for his country and he's clearly exhausted. He doesn't want to pass the war onto the next president and he wants it over for his people. But he also wants some semblance of a life. He has a lot of hard decisions to make daily.

yankdevil

Yeah I’d want a vacation after that too.

Ecstatic_Account_744

After telling Pooty to hit the deck in his pedo dungeon. Bye bye, Kremlin

FourArmsFiveLegs

Good on him and may he have a long peaceful retirement

gamingfreak50

Garbage title again, Newsweek is trash. Zelensky will resign after war, not the entire Presidency.

effenel

He deserves a very long and peaceful retirement when the war is won. I can't think of another president who actually deserves it more than him.

llywelync

Man has risen to the occasion. He deserves his rest if it's possible, though I imagine he'll be looking over his shoulder until someone takes care of Putin.

Malrottian

Just by the way, Russian media completely distorted his words, implying that he is forever ready to continue the war in order to remain president, not agreeing to absurd Russian demands for a ceasefire.

KaineZero

Afandur

Dude was a pretty famous celebrity and comedian- he didn’t need this job.  I’m sure he will be grateful when this is all over.

NoticeMobile3323

Let that Man have a nice peaceful cold beer on a Crimean Beach one day.

Schneidzeug

He won't end the presidency as an institution, just his tenure as president. Important distinction for a sloppy headline.

bengermanj

I mean, this has been known for the whole war, no?

residiot

Geez. How long has this war been going anyways? And now Russia is picking a fight with other countries too.

Ziodyne967

Curious how his security detail will be after the war. Putin will try to get to him no doubt.

No_Zookeepergame_27

The phrasing of this title will 100% trigger some conspiracy theory idiots.

It should have been "Zelensky says he'll end **HIS** presidency...".

This sounds like he will just become a full time dictator and completely wipe democracy from his country.

Dycoth

OMG_A_TREE

I mean, that's fair enough. He's already been through so much shite and he would most certainly deserve a good rest after it's all over.

SteelShroom

And I actually believe him. Dude bleeds Ukraine.

CreamyIvy

The weight this guy carries on his shoulders.

SoCallMeAnAsshole

jetelklee

Beyond whatever his personal feelings, I think he wants to make statement for democracy in Ukraine. He's making it explicit that after this war he will not be a president for life. 


The thing is, for democracy to work, the people need to participate and the rule of law must be respected. He should not or rather must not be the next president, even if he would be the favourite. He is already serving beyond his mandate.

pugs_in_a_basket

No wonder. The stress he must feel would have ground me down in less than a year. And he still goes on.

I would buy him any amount of free beers when he steps down.

Mormegil1971

I’m not surprised. He’s probably so fuckin’ over it!

Having to deal with trump and NATO members too half arsed to fully support him. 

Palocles

Fandango_Jones

Whoever gets it next may as well commit political suicide.

SecondaryJane

StanleyRivers

Are we rehashing years old news now, pr are reporters asking questions we already know the answer to?

SugarInvestigator

I can also imagine that the guy is just tired of it all, and with good reason.

Voodoo_Dummie

I mean yea makes sense this shit has got to be so stressful as a leader.

joshatroniun

Why does this have a breaking news thumbnail? That kind of shit should be banned, social media is frying our brains enough already

ColorfulBar

Honestly once the war is over, it’s best to retire. Don’t ruin your reputation and be seen as the man who made Ukraine free.

Slava Ukrani

Handsprime

Honestly, he deserves a break once the war is over, he's gone above and beyond for his country.

The-red-Dane

That means he will outlive Ceausescu as president..

Certain_Bag6363

No shit... bet he cant wait to be done with this bs....
He should get the nobel peace price lol
..

xExerionx

I wonder how much money he’s made to want to retire already 😂

timohtea

No shit. Thats generally how it goes. Also id image itd be a Russian request in the terms

InHocBronco96

That’s literally what’s constitutionally supposed to happen in Ukraine

CTRexPope

alphaevil

Good for him, would be kinda bad if the guy who fought Putin ended up as another forever president

Medium_Raccoon_5331

"If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on, it outlives me when I'm gone"

29Terriers

I 100% would have done the same, unwound have been so done with all that shit and be with my family

Scythe95

Smart move. If he retires right after the war he will have statues erected of him.

azzi008

TheSonjuro

Honestly Zelensky stepping down at the end of the war will signal whether or not the country slips into authoritarianism imo. A wartime leader canceling elections until their country is whole again makes sense. But staying on after the war with no elections is a standard power grab.

Hopefully he stays by his word

Shjfty

I bet he's exhausted, among other reasons. I hope we see a day soon where Ukraine is liberated, Russia buggers off and he can finally relax in peace.

lyidaValkris

I don’t read Autobiographies, but I’d certainly read his.

Carl_Clegg

So hypothetically, if this war goes on for 10 more years, Zelensky will still remain president?

Ok_Situation_7081

farfromjordan

Zelensky will be remembered as a modern day hero

Charming_Piano_4391

Quasarrion

LEEEETS GOOOOOO DENMARK DIDN'T GET CONQURED BY SWEDEN🇩🇰  
VI LIGGER NUMMER ET, VI LIGGER NUMMER ET🇩🇰  
DER ER ET YNDIGT LAND DET STÅR MED BREDE BØGE🇩🇰  
🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰

Potato_Poul

OppositeAnt4430

As a Danish person I'm fairly certain a true swede would also colour Skåne red

JusCogensBreaker

Hello yes I am swedish

🇨🇭❌️

🇸🇪✅️

Swiss_Reddit_User

ObservantOwl-9

As an Irish person, please can Northern Ireland be included? 

A United Ireland under Sweden is still a United Ireland.

Mundane_Character365

Intensified aerial bombardment by Russia in Ukraine has led to numerous casualties, raising international alarms regarding the ongoing war.

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