The President of Ukraine stated in an interview with Czech media that his decision to run for a second term depends on how the war ends. This comment has triggered widespread discussion in society and among analysts.
The author examines why there has been little proper discussion about this important rhetoric shift—from a promised victory to an uncertain outcome. The lack of commitment to victory as the only acceptable end to the war is seen as a significant signal, challenging the established narrative.
The speech highlights that such rhetoric may indicate a loss of agency in decision-making, and that key players and the decision-making algorithm are set outside Ukrainian control. The concept of "online game" with no clear end goal suggests much of the process is left to chance.
Special attention is given to tying the end of the war to presidential ambitions. This narrative was previously used in hostile propaganda to undermine trust in the authorities. Now, the president himself acknowledges this dependence. The author criticizes that personal ambition for a second term becomes a metric for state decisions.
The author concludes that society must pay closer attention to such statements and analyze their impact on strategic decisions during the war and on Ukraine's political future.