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Resilience Amid Exhaustion: Ukrainian Soldiers Forge On Despite Overwhelming Fatigue

Friday, 15 December 2023 18:30 Culture

Endurance on the Eastern Front: Ukrainian Soldiers Persist in Prolonged Warfare

From the outset, Ukrainians anticipated the longevity of this war, a stark reality that now demands President Zelenskiy to address the fatigue plaguing frontline soldiers. Ivan, a 40-year-old teacher and father of three, voluntarily chose to fight for his country, earning the moniker "Decent Man" from his comrades. Despite 18 grueling months on the battlefield and an overwhelming yearning for his family, Ivan remains steadfast, driven by a sense of duty. His sentiment echoes that of another soldier, a former construction worker, who has transformed into a more capable and dedicated serviceman, driven by the desire to be of greater assistance to his colleagues.

In conversations with soldiers from a renowned Ukrainian combat brigade on the eastern front, their resilience and commitment came to the forefront. These servicemen, some serving for up to 20 months, have weathered significant battles, endured injuries, and mourned the loss of close friends. Their dedication is unwavering, even as they recount limited time off duty—most having not enjoyed more than a week or two of respite. The 26-year-old squadron commander, who married just six months before the full-scale invasion in February 2022, has been on the frontline for over 18 months.

These encounters provide a snapshot of the soldiers' experiences, capturing their unwavering determination and sacrifice. The mood on the eastern front, as discussed before President Zelenskiy's plea for increased EU support, reflects the soldiers' resilience in the face of adversity. However, with political disputes and external challenges threatening financial aid, the strain on these soldiers calls for urgent attention and solutions to sustain their morale and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Challenges of Post-War Kyiv: Zelenskiy Faces Political Scrutiny Amid Soldier Fatigue

As political life in Kyiv tentatively returns to a semblance of normality, President Zelenskiy finds himself under renewed prewar criticism from opponents. The national and international press closely scrutinizes any potential rift between Zelenskiy and Ukraine's military leadership, with concerns raised about the unity of the country. Some view political confrontations as a healthy sign of democracy persevering, even under martial law. Contrary to foreign media headlines, Ukrainian soldiers, engaged in a counteroffensive, are less concerned about the lack of progress and more focused on a pressing issue—physical exhaustion.

Ukrainian soldiers, who initially harbored realistic views on the challenges of liberating regions without adequate air support and demining, now grapple with the profound impact of sustained combat on their well-being. There's a growing demand for a defined procedure for discharging those who volunteered at the onset of the invasion. A plea from servicemen's relatives highlights the misconception that experienced soldiers can endure endless combat with unabated motivation. President Zelenskiy has responded by tasking top military officials to find solutions, while parliament factions prepare a draft law to modify rules for mobilization and soldier discharge.

The complexity lies in Ukraine's need for more fighters while navigating the logistical challenges of maintaining a significantly larger army. Drafting hundreds of thousands of troops, a potential strategy for a war of attrition, faces hurdles due to equipment shortages and economic constraints. Currently, only males aged 27 to 60 are drafted, with a pending decision to lower the mobilization age to 25. Conscripts aged 18-20 are restricted from frontline deployment, but younger volunteers are permitted to join the fight, further complicating the delicate balance between bolstering the military and ensuring the well-being of those who serve.

Ukrainian Soldiers Forge Ahead: Experience Trumps Age in the Face of Ongoing Conflict

In the midst of an enduring conflict, the deputy commander of a Ukrainian squadron, in his mid-40s, grapples with a critical dilemma. While he acknowledges the challenges posed by younger, less experienced soldiers, the real issue lies in their indispensable expertise. The Ukrainian army comprises individuals who took up arms not out of choice but as the only means to protect their towns and families. The prospect of a ceasefire is met with skepticism on the battlefield, where the belief is that any pause only aids the Kremlin in strengthening its forces.

Reflecting on almost two years of war, Ukrainians ponder the reasons behind successes and failures, scrutinizing every aspect to avoid unnecessary casualties. Criticism and dissatisfaction should not be misinterpreted as surrender, as the focus remains on learning from the past to safeguard lives in the future. The squadron commander succinctly captures the daily reality: "Nobody wants to die; we try not to, but it doesn’t always work.

Contrary to the anxiety in Western capitals, where cautious suggestions to "prepare for the worst" were offered, Ukrainians adopt a pragmatic approach. This approach, driven by resilience and determination, stands in stark contrast to external advice that may seem wise in distant corridors of power but appears naive and irresponsible in the Ukrainian context. The relentless pursuit of their best efforts in 2022 has been a linchpin in preventing the occupation of cities and the crushing of society. As Ukraine seeks a better-equipped and more efficient army, the resolve to never give up remains unwavering, underscoring the stark reality of the ongoing struggle for survival.

Enduring Fatigue: Ukrainians Forge On Despite Exhaustion from Two Years of War

Exhaustion permeates not only Ukraine's armed forces but also millions of ordinary citizens wearied by the relentless war. However, in the face of this weariness, there is no room for excuses. An electrician must still mend the power grid, doctors continue to treat the wounded, rescue workers persist in saving lives, and air defense soldiers remain vigilant against incoming threats like Russian missiles. The weariness that now envelops the nation does not serve as a justification to shirk responsibilities or relinquish the ongoing struggle for survival.

Even as the prospect of a prolonged conflict has always loomed ominously, Ukrainians initially embraced it with a sense of doomed optimism. Two years into the war, weariness has taken its toll, but it has also bestowed experience and confidence. The journey has been grueling, marked by the constant threat of danger, as evidenced by the recent missile that fell perilously close to homes. Ukrainian journalist and Reckoning Project co-founder Nataliya Gumenyuk reflects on the endurance of a nation that, despite overwhelming fatigue, continues to press forward, drawing strength from hard-earned experience and an unyielding spirit.

In conclusion, Nataliya Gumenyuk's poignant reflection encapsulates the enduring spirit of Ukrainians in the face of relentless war. Despite the fatigue that permeates both the armed forces and millions of ordinary citizens, there is an unwavering commitment to continue shouldering responsibilities and confronting the ongoing challenges. The weariness, rather than being an excuse, becomes a catalyst for experience and confidence, shaping a nation that has learned to navigate the grim realities of a prolonged conflict with resilience and determination. Gumenyuk's words offer a glimpse into the collective strength of a people who, despite the toll of two years of war, remain steadfast in their resolve to overcome and endure.

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