Ukrainian Expert Urges Russians to Oppose War, Citing Lack of Decisive Victory

A Ukrainian military expert has issued an unusual appeal to Russian citizens, urging them to rise up against the war, which he described as unwinnable for either side. Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine's defense minister specializing in electronic warfare, stated that Moscow's leaders are ignoring peace proposals from Kyiv.

Beskrestnov believes that hope now rests with Russian society to end a conflict he says neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian people need. "If you don't want your relatives and loved ones to continue dying, you must rise up against the war," he urged.

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If you don't want your relatives and loved ones to continue dying, you must rise up against the war.

The nature of the conflict has shifted significantly, Beskrestnov noted. While early phases focused on large-scale ground operations, the war now largely involves drone and missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure behind front lines. These targets include refineries, fuel depots, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities supporting the war efforts of both nations.

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In such a type of confrontation, there are no winners.

Another Ukrainian army officer, known as "Alex," echoed this assessment, stating that neither Ukraine nor Russia currently possesses the offensive capability to decisively alter the war's course. "Both sides are trying to cause as many problems for the adversary as possible to force them to accept advantageous conditions at the negotiating table," Alex said. "In the current configuration of the conflict, a total victory is impossible for either camp."

These statements come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to insist that Russia will eventually be compelled to choose peace. Zelenskyy has suggested that support discussed with Western partners at the G7 summit could significantly influence military operations, including in occupied Crimea. Meanwhile, Ukraine is intensifying its attacks on strategic infrastructure within Russian-controlled territory, reportedly striking a major oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar region on the night of June 25.

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Both sides are trying to cause as many problems for the adversary as possible to force them to accept advantageous conditions at the negotiating table. In the current configuration of the conflict, a total victory is impossible for either camp.