Andrii Illienko: Preparing for a Long War is the Key to a Quicker Victory

According to glavcom.ua: Politician, former deputy, and officer of the infantry battalion Andrii Illienko believes that Ukrainians need to prepare for a long war, as it may lead to a quicker and better outcome for Ukraine. He urges not to believe in a swift end to the conflict, emphasizing that soldiers also dream of another life, but for now, this is not an option, and everyone needs to prepare for prolonged hostilities.

“I urge everyone to stop believing in a quick end to the war – this is a very dangerous illusion. Not because I want to fight – on the contrary, the war has already ‘gotten to me’. All soldiers, especially those who have been in the army since 2022, to put it mildly, want another life. But what are the options? To drop everything and wait for the enemy in Kyiv? No, for us, this is not an option.”

Illienko also acknowledged that he does not believe in the possibility of a truce, as it will not happen even under suspicion of possible negotiations. His conviction is that it is necessary to prepare for a long war and not to count on a swift end to the conflict.

It is worth noting that according to the activities program of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, strengthening mobilization and recruiting measures is planned until 2026, including an increase in the recruitment of Ukrainian citizens for military service.

Andrii Illienko believes that in the current situation, it is important to prepare for a long war, increasing the chances for a better result for Ukraine, so it is necessary to stop hoping for a quick end to the conflict and be ready for long-term hostilities.