Ukraine war: Exhausted troops not holding out hope for peace
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Ukraine war has entered its fourth year, with soldiers facing immense physical and mental strain as hope for peace dwindles. Kostiantyn Honcharov, a former DW correspondent who joined the Ukrainian army in 2022, shares his harrowing experiences of the conflict. He reflects on the futility of the war, questioning its origins and continuation, while emphasizing the personal toll it has taken on him and countless others. For Honcharov, the decision to fight was not driven by duty but by a desire to avoid becoming a passive victim of history.
The psychological impact of the war is profound, with soldiers growing increasingly exhausted and demoralized. Front-line units are rarely rotated, leaving troops to endure inhuman conditions for extended periods. This lack of support has led to mass desertions, not due to cowardice but from sheer physical and mental exhaustion. Honcharov recounts how his platoon dwindled from 30 soldiers to just five after a fierce battle, highlighting the severe shortages of trained infantry.
The challenges faced by Ukrainian forces are compounded by modern warfare's demands. Drones and electronic warfare require specialized skills, making it difficult to rotate troops effectively. Soldiers are often forced into roles they are unprepared for, exacerbating the strain on front-line units. The human cost is staggering: overworked soldiers struggle to remain efficient fighters after spending months on the front, leading to a breakdown in their resilience.
The war's global relevance lies in its human toll and the lessons it offers about modern conflict. As the battlefront expands and technology complicates traditional strategies, the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The story of Honcharov and his fellow soldiers underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of such conflicts to prevent further suffering.
Ultimately, the Ukraine war highlights the fragility of human resilience
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026