Ukrainians Reassess Victory Amid Ongoing War

A recent sociological study indicates that Ukrainians have a nuanced understanding of victory in their ongoing war, with around 40% associating it with the restoration of 1991 borders, while increasingly recognizing the importance of EU and NATO membership for security guarantees. Public sentiment strongly opposes territorial concessions for peace, as citizens express a commitment to armed resistance. Meanwhile, the Russian military has resorted to using convicts as expendable troops, a strategy that has allowed their forces to regain territory without inciting domestic unrest. In the Azov-Black Sea region, Ukrainian naval forces report significant successes, disrupting Russian logistics and operations in Crimea. Notably, a Ukrainian offensive in Kursk has raised concerns about the balance of resources, with some questioning the cost of such operations against the loss of ground in the east. Analysts suggest that the Kursk operation holds symbolic significance, demonstrating Ukraine's capability to shift front lines against a vulnerable Russian military.