The successes of the Ukrainian military on the front are increasingly affecting not only the course of hostilities but also the public mood within the Russian Federation. The recent liberation of occupied territories significantly undermines the faith of Russians in victory and provokes a rise in discontent among citizens of the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Finway
Internal “Bubbling” in Russia: What is Happening
The head of the Reserve Council of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, Ivan Tymochko, emphasizes that the return of populated areas under Ukraine’s control directly impacts the mass sentiments in Russia. According to him, the logic that has long been imposed on Russians, explaining the meaning of a protracted war, is collapsing. When instead of the promised gains, there are losses, retreats, and defeats, many begin to question: is it worth risking life for illusory prospects?
Tymochko specifically highlighted that the most significant changes are felt at the level of public opinion. Even military bloggers loyal to the authorities are forced to acknowledge the losses on the front. This only intensifies the tension, forming a “bubbling” within Russian society and growing discontent.
“But this primarily affects the Russian society that supports this war. The very cause-and-effect logic is lost; the understanding of why to go to war disappears if you can die and at the same time lose everything you supposedly gained for someone. It no longer seems like an obvious prospect. If we talk about the enemy’s retreat from our territories, Russian war correspondents also emphasize this — there is actually a process of internal bubbling and growing discontent happening there,” explained the military.
Moreover, Ivan Tymochko notes that the entire system of Russian propaganda, which had previously kept society in artificially created confidence, is collapsing. Since propaganda can no longer conceal the real state of affairs, this creates serious internal problems for Russia.
Ukrainian Society: Growing Confidence and Motivation
For Ukraine, every liberated settlement is not only a strategic success but also an important psychological victory that strengthens the faith and fighting spirit of both military personnel and civilians. Tymochko emphasizes that attempts to impose the idea of a “dead end” in the war on Ukrainians have no success, as real victories boost confidence in their own abilities and stimulate further resistance against the aggressor.
According to the head of the Reserve Council, each advance of Ukrainian fighters generates excitement, increases motivation, and provides additional impetus for further struggle — not only on the battlefield but also on a mental level. This indicates the effectiveness of the command’s decisions, tactics, and strategies of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Tymochko stresses that the liberation of territories is an undeniable indicator of the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia is trying to implement its plans for the occupation of the so-called belt of fortress cities in Donetsk, which includes Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. However, according to estimates by Western experts, even in the event of a favorable development for Moscow, full control over the Donetsk region is possible for Russia no earlier than August 2027, and only at the cost of significant losses for the occupiers.