WSJ: Ukraine's Core Of Hardened Soldiers Is Its Most Powerful Weapon

For Russians, a summer they will remember has begun

After more than four years of full-scale war, Ukraine’s main resources remain not only weapons, drones, and Western aid, but above all the soldiers who have fought on the toughest sections of the front and have not abandoned their positions. According to The Wall Street Journal (translation by Charter97.org), the Ukrainian army largely relies on them today.

We’re talking about the core group of soldiers who joined the ranks in the first weeks of the Russian invasion. They have endured grueling battles, the loss of comrades, concussions, constant physical exhaustion, and months away from their families. One such soldier is Second Lieutenant Igor Vizirenko. His unit fought through fierce clashes near Chasiv Yar and is now holding positions in the Lyman area.

Casualties and fatigue in the army are immense. Ukraine is facing a dire situation with mobilization, and the number of soldiers who have deserted their units is estimated in the hundreds of thousands. But even under these conditions, the front is holding thanks to the soldiers’ personal motivation—a sense of duty, loyalty to their units, and the understanding that the fate of the country depends on their resilience.

Public sentiment also provides support. According to polls, 57% of Ukrainians refuse to comply with Russia’s demands regarding Donbas, which sends an important signal to the military: society is not ready to capitulate.

Meanwhile, changes are emerging on the front lines. The pace of Russian advances has slowed, the Russian military’s casualties are rising, and Ukraine is increasingly striking targets deep inside Russian territory and expanding the role of drones. This does not mean a breakthrough is imminent, but it gives the military the sense that their resistance is not in vain.

The soldiers themselves are increasingly talking about the future—about home, family, peaceful work, and life away from the trenches. But almost all of them express the same sentiment: first, the war must be fought to the end.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com