Ukraine on the Brink: Half of Citizens Pessimistic as Russia Continues Drone and Missile Attacks
The Grim Reality in Ukraine
Nearly half of Ukrainians, exactly 47%, believe that in ten years their country will be devastated by a massive population exodus rather than becoming a prosperous member of the European Union. This shocking result comes from the latest survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), conducted in May and June this year. For comparison, in December last year, 57% of Ukrainians believed in their country’s prosperity within the EU, while in October 2022, only 5% were pessimistic.
The Loss of Hope and the Reality of War
Sociologists attribute this rise in pessimism to the fading hope in U.S. President Donald Trump, who was still seen as a potential peacemaker late last year. After his friendly talks with Putin and the Oval Office scandal with Zelensky, hopes were extinguished. Still, Ukrainians continue to reject territorial concessions and believe in the unity of their country, not division.
Russian Attacks Show No Sign of Stopping
While Ukrainians lose hope, Russia does not relent. During nighttime attacks, Russian forces launched 26 cruise missiles and attack drones, more than half of which were Iranian-made Shahed types. The attacks targeted civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv, Sumy, Lviv regions, and Bukovina, including residential buildings. Two people were killed, and about 20 injured. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully destroyed most of the missiles and drones, but the pace of Russian strikes demands urgent and decisive international response.
Poland and NATO on High Alert
Poland activated its fighter jets and air defense systems due to Russian attacks, monitoring the airspace situation. Russian attacks occurred even far from the front line, in cities near the borders with Poland and Romania, further raising regional tensions.
Ukrainian Counterstrike
Ukraine is not without response. Recently, its drones struck Russian factories producing combat aircraft and missiles in the Moscow and Tula regions, causing explosions and fires. Although one person was killed in the attacks, Ukraine continues to use all available resources to weaken Russia’s military potential and force it to end its aggression.
What Next?
As Ukrainians lose hope for a bright future, the war continues with brutal intensity. Russia shows no signs of backing down, and the international community is called upon to increase sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. President Zelensky clearly states: the war can only end by force, not empty promises.
Is Anyone Even Listening?
As the world turns to new crises, Ukrainians remain trapped in the hell of war and uncertainty. Will their country ever become a prosperous EU member or be devastated by population loss? And as missiles and drones keep falling, the question remains — who will truly pay the price of this conflict?
If you have your own take or think this is too black and white, drop a comment below. Maybe together we’ll find a glimmer of hope or at least a good joke about all this. Because if we can’t laugh, what’s left?
