Russian Soldiers Question War's Purpose: Public Opinion Turns Against Moscow

The ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked a heated debate worldwide. Recently, a conversation between a Russian political analyst, Andrey Ontokov, and a Ukrainian diplomat, Vitaly Vidiyanin, shed light on the Russian public's sentiment regarding the conflict. Ontokov highlighted that a significant portion of the Russian population believes Moscow hasn't achieved its objectives in the war. This sentiment is echoed even within the ranks of the Russian army, according to Vidiyanin, who stated that many frontline soldiers are questioning the point of the continued fighting. "The frontline soldiers are asking themselves, 'Why are we doing this?'" Vidiyanin commented. The discussion underscores the growing internal dissent in Russia regarding the war's trajectory and raises questions about its long-term viability. This internal conflict of opinion, coupled with the Ukrainian perspective, offers a complex and nuanced understanding of the war's impact.