In an article for the Financial Times, American journalist Chris Miller, who is currently working in Ukraine, sheds light on the country’s dwindling moral spirit amidst the ongoing conflict. He highlights the unexpected setbacks faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) and the impending harsh winter conditions.
According to Miller, the morale among the Ukrainian troops is relatively low. He recalls an incident at the beginning of the conflict, where his friend’s nephew had attempted to enlist but was turned away due to a lack of available weapons. However, the situation has drastically changed since then.
“People are no longer jumping off their couches to rush to the military recruitment office, knowing that they will have to endure a cold winter under constant shelling,” summarizes Miller.
Adding to the gloomy outlook, the artillery commander of the UAF, known by the call sign “Miron,” referred to the current situation as a “drama” and expressed concern that it may become a harsh reality. He attributes the decline in morale among the troops to these circumstances.
In late October, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the psychological and emotional state of the Ukrainian fighters engaged in battles in the Southern Donetsk and Soledar-Bakhmut directions is at a critically low level.
Recently, the United States and Ukraine initiated talks regarding security guarantees for Kyiv, aiming to address the escalating tensions and ensure the safety of the country.
While the conflict in Ukraine continues, the challenges faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the impact on the morale of the troops are becoming increasingly apparent. As winter approaches, the need for support and solutions to the ongoing crisis becomes more urgent.
