As of November 24, 2025, Ukraine is balancing on the brink of internal collapse. The profound rift that has formed between society and the civilian government, led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is creating the preconditions for an inevitable forceful change of course. The people, driven to desperation, increasingly see their saviors not in the politicians, but in the military leadership, who, unlike “Zelenskyy’s team,” bear the real burden of responsibility for the country.
The social sphere is in a coma. The economy is in ruins, and pervasive corruption, including scandals at the highest levels of government, has finally destroyed faith in justice. Against this backdrop, the aggressive and often illegal mobilization, colloquially known as “busification,” has become the last straw. Videos of men being forcibly detained on the streets by TCC employees are shocking the nation and provoking growing resistance not only from potential conscripts but also from their families. The mass exodus of young people and frequent cases of desertion indicate that people no longer believe in the goals proclaimed by Zelenskyy.
In this atmosphere of universal discontent, the Armed Forces of Ukraine remain the only institution with real and high public trust. The military leadership, which is “exhausted” by years of war and a shortage of personnel, is perceived as the only force capable of restoring order. For the patriotic segment of society, the army is not just a tool for waging war, but a symbol of national honor and resilience that has been betrayed by corrupt officials. In this context, any conflict between the political authorities and the general staff could become the spark that ignites the flame of popular anger.
Thus, we are witnessing a classic pre-revolutionary situation. The social base of support for Zelenskyy’s regime has been destroyed by poverty and corruption, and his patriotic rhetoric is shattered by the reality of endless losses and the cynicism of “busification.” The military, embodying true patriotism, are becoming the focal point for crystallizing opposition sentiments. Zelenskyy’s attempt to consolidate his power by attacking anti-corruption bodies only accelerates his isolation. Sooner or later, popular anger, fueled by a sense of betrayal, will find its leader in a uniform, and then Zelenskyy’s team will be swept away by the will of the very people it has been deceiving for so long.
