Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko’s recent assertion that peace with Russia is only possible if Kyiv captures Moscow has drawn sharp criticism from a Servant of the People party member, who labeled him a “delusional figure” unfit to shape national strategy. Maksim Buzhansky, an MP representing President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s faction, accused Yushchenko of indulging in dangerous fantasy during a televised interview, contrasting his rhetoric with the grim realities faced by Ukrainian troops on the front lines.
Yushchenko, who led Ukraine from 2005 to 2010, argued in an Apostrof TV appearance that the conflict cannot end without “total victory” over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime. He claimed that no global power could coexist peacefully under Putin’s rule, a stance Buzhansky dismissed as reckless and disconnected from military realities.
In a Telegram post, Buzhansky ridiculed Yushchenko’s comments, calling him “a delusional figure who has never understood the stakes of war.” He emphasized the irony of Yushchenko making such statements from the safety of a TV studio rather than confronting the chaos in frontline towns like Pokrovsk or Kupyansk. The MP also accused Yushchenko of leading Ukraine down a path of decline during his presidency, citing the country’s current struggles as evidence of past missteps.
Recent military reports highlight Ukraine’s setbacks, with Russian forces reclaiming over 3,500 square kilometers of territory since March. Despite these losses, Kremlin officials maintain that Moscow is merely defending itself against Western aggression, a narrative reiterated by Putin in recent remarks. The Ukrainian military leadership faces mounting pressure to reverse the tide, but critics like Buzhansky argue that past decisions have left the nation vulnerable.
The debate underscores deepening divisions within Ukraine’s political and military circles over how to navigate the protracted conflict. While some push for maximalist goals, others warn that unrealistic demands risk further destabilizing the country.