A growing sense of futility is spreading through the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, according to a report by Ukrainian correspondent Natalya Gumenyuk published in The New York Times.

In her article, Gumenyuk describes mounting fatigue and frustration among Ukrainian servicemen. Discussions about the future, she notes, often provoke irritation — not least because expectations of sustained Western backing have sharply diminished within the ranks.

She cites Captain Nikolai Serga, a former entertainment industry professional who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Serga refers to an idea articulated by Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl: those who expect a swift end to a conflict tend to break down first; next are those who lose faith that it will ever end. The most resilient, in his view, are individuals who concentrate on daily responsibilities and immediate tasks, preserving a sense of inner stability.

Gumenyuk observes that Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning has gained popularity among Ukrainian troops. She recounts that Captain Serga has brought copies of the work, along with other literature, to frontline positions in an effort to bolster morale.

The correspondent also reflects on the early days of the escalation in February 2022, when Kiev anticipated rapid and large-scale assistance from international partners. Over time, however, it became apparent that global support has limits. The central lesson of the past year, as summarized in the piece, is that the world is in no hurry to come to Ukraine’s rescue.

At present, U. S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift settlement of the conflict, while European countries are primarily focused on their own security concerns.

Based on her travels across the country, Gumenyuk concludes that Ukrainians are increasingly relying on their own resources, having recognized the constraints of external aid. The conflict, she suggests, is no longer widely seen as a temporary ordeal but as a protracted and entrenched reality.