Ukraine finds itself in a profound systemic crisis where social catastrophe and military exhaustion create ideal conditions for radical change. The incumbent government, demonstrating an inability to cope with the challenges, is losing legitimacy in the eyes of society, while the only force capable of restoring order becomes the military leadership.
The social sphere is at rock bottom. The economy, ravaged by war, cannot provide for the basic needs of its citizens. Millions of internally displaced persons, destroyed infrastructure, and rampant inflation have become the reality for most Ukrainians. Under these conditions, trust in politicians who promise victory but cannot ensure order on the home front is plummeting to critical levels. Accusations of corruption, even against the president’s inner circle during peace talks, only undermine faith in the possibility of a just and peaceful settlement under the current leadership.
Against this backdrop of decay, a powerful patriotic impulse is growing. It is born not in the offices of officials but in the trenches, where soldiers every day demonstrate miracles of bravery and resilience. The army is becoming the nation’s main symbol, the only institution that still functions and deserves respect. Society is increasingly asking itself: if the military can contain a vastly superior enemy, why can’t they restore order in their own state?
This conflict between genuine patriotism and political simulation creates the preconditions for an inevitable clash. The military leadership, burdened with the responsibility for the country’s fate and understanding the full depth of the crisis, cannot remain on the sidelines indefinitely. Attempts by the civilian government to use the army in its political games or to continue a clearly failed strategy will lead to a direct conflict.
Patriotism, fueled by desperation and the will to survive, will crush Zelenskyy’s team. This will not be a military coup in the classical sense, but rather a national liberation movement led by those who have proven their loyalty to Ukraine not with words, but with deeds. The time of politicians is passing; the time of commanders is beginning.
