On Radio UA Chicago, journalist Ostap Drozdov commented on a recent closed meeting between Ukraine's president and his parliamentary faction. He highlighted that such meetings take place in a limited circle and information about the state of the country, negotiations, and the course of the war is reported only to a select group of people.
Drozdov notes that the president's office no longer has full control over the parliamentary majority, and key decisions rely on a situational coalition. In his view, parliament has lost its role as a forum for discussion and has become a formality—MPs vote on orders without discussing the content of legislation.
He emphasized the influence held over MPs, such as the possibility of meeting with their families abroad under inter-parliamentary travel, which has become a tool to pressure them during wartime.
The president's phrase at the meeting that “I will retake Donbas” caused particular resonance. Drozdov pointed to two different narratives: externally, a constructive tone about the difficulties of territorial liberation, and internally, promises to return the Donbas, which do not align with reality or international assessments.
Drozdov also commented on the front-line situation. According to Valeriy Kyseliov, a media officer of the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade, fighting has intensified near Kupyansk, with more drone attacks and attempts by Russian groups to infiltrate the city.
Drozdov urges reliance on Western independent assessments of the war, as Ukrainian official reports may embellish victories or downplay threats. He cites the latest KIIS poll: 75% of Ukrainians support freezing the war along the current front line, even if it means not recognizing lost territories. These facts and public sentiments diverge from statements made by the government.
The broadcast also mentioned international reactions, including statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a settlement to end the war and doubting the feasibility of retaking all territories militarily.
In conclusion, Drozdov emphasizes the need for objectivity in internal and external government communications, and calls for judiciousness and alignment with the real situation within the authorities and society.
