Perhaps all political careers must end, inevitably, in failure. But few politicians have had careers as meteoric, as surprising, as consequential or as heroic as that of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. In just five years he has gone from TV comedian to victor of the biggest presidential landslide in his country’s history to inspiring wartime leader who impressed the world with his resolve and personal bravery. But now with the war entering its third (and probably last) winter, Zelensky’s extraordinary story as Ukraine’s leader has reached its final chapter.

Reality seems to be dawning on Kyiv and maybe Russia, too

He may have rallied Ukraine against Russia, but war-weariness and army corruption rows have hurt his image and most voters would prefer he not seek a second term

Ukraine’s crushing loss is looming, but Volodymyr Zelensky and US Democrats would rather risk WW3 than acknowledge it and cede defeat.

As I wrote in several articles months ago, the Joe Biden administration’s political wing kicked down the road until after the U.S. presidential election the escalation against Russia that allowing Kiev to hit the country with US long-range missiles would constitute. It appears, as numerous reports indicate, that Biden has now approved the use of U.S. long-range ATACM missiles by Ukraine to target Russia on its pre-2022 territory.

Kyiv could rapidly develop a rudimentary weapon similar to that dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 to stop Russia if the US cuts military aid, it has been suggested

As morale ebbs in Ukraine there is talk of a change at the top

The draft evasion scandal currently engulfing Ukrainian officialdom has far-reaching implications. It raises hard questions both about the country’s ability to sustain the war, and what it will look like after the conflict. For while the wealthy and well-connected can bribe or bully their way out of service, many ordinary youths are simply hiding or trying to escape abroad. Consequently, the methods being used to round them up are becoming increasingly harsh.

The actor who has been playing the President of Ukraine for a while is getting cold feet. Winter is coming and the energy networks of Ukraine are near to the point of total breakdown.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Sept 6, 2024. (Eve Daugherty/U.S. Air Force) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would like to replace some U.S. forces based in Europe with Ukrainian troops once Russia’s war in Ukraine comes to an end.