In an interview with Radio UA Chicago, journalist and writer Ostap Druzdov analyzes the current state of the war, public sentiment, and prospects for ending hostilities. Druzdov notes that the war now centers around Donbas, specifically the 30% of territory still under Ukrainian control. According to him, most of Donbas was already occupied by Russia before the full-scale invasion, and the current ultimatum essentially means losing the remaining part of the region.
Druzdov describes Ukraine’s situation as a forced choice—either accept the loss of part of Donbas for the end of the war and a chance for reconstruction and European integration, or choose ongoing fighting and continued instability. He highlights sociological data showing that Ukrainian society is almost evenly split on the Donbas issue: about half are ready to accept the loss, while the other half maintains patriotic positions.
He also emphasizes the role of the elite in peace decisions, arguing that it is political elites—not the military or wider society—who ultimately decide the scenario. Druzdov points out that the interests of the elite often diverge significantly from those of ordinary citizens, and that decisions are frequently made to benefit the war’s economic and political stakeholders.
The interview also discusses President Zelensky’s decision to trademark his last name, which Druzdov sees as symbolic of the transformation of politics and war into brand products, raising questions about the real goals and values of the current government.
In conclusion, Druzdov stresses that Ukrainian society remains divided and that there is no consensus on how the war should end. He sums up with a quote: “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”
