Exhausted Ukrainian Troops Fight On, Losing Hope for Peace

Since joining the Ukrainian army in 2022, former DW correspondent Kostiantyn Honcharov has seen the brutal realities of the ongoing conflict with Russia up close. After four years of grueling combat, he describes a front-line situation that offers little hope for an end to the violence.

"The troops are exhausted, both physically and mentally," Honcharov says. "Many have been fighting non-stop for years, with little respite. They're holding on by sheer willpower and a commitment to defending their homeland, but the strain is starting to show."

One of the key challenges, Honcharov explains, is the constant state of uncertainty. "You never know when the next attack will come, or where. The Russians keep changing their tactics, so you have to be constantly alert and ready to respond."

This uncertainty, combined with the physical toll of combat, is taking a heavy emotional and psychological burden on the Ukrainian troops. "Morale is still high, but it's fragile," Honcharov says. "The soldiers know they're fighting for a just cause, but the endless cycle of fighting is wearing them down."

Despite their exhaustion, the Ukrainian troops remain committed to the fight. "They know they're defending their country, their homes, and their families," Honcharov says. "That's what keeps them going, even when they've reached the limits of their physical and mental endurance."

However, the lack of progress towards a lasting peace is a source of frustration and discouragement. "The soldiers are starting to lose hope that this conflict will ever end," Honcharov says. "They're tired of the fighting, tired of the uncertainty, and tired of the constant threat of death or injury."

Despite the grim conditions, Honcharov remains hopeful that the Ukrainian troops will persevere. "They're a resilient and determined people," he says. "But the world needs to understand the true cost of this war, and the toll it's taking on the brave men and women fighting to defend their homeland."