Putin may not approve: Russians demand a halt to the war

The war in Ukraine has raged for approximately a year and a half. Involvement in such a brutal conflict inevitably yields constant reminders of death, which pervades both enemy ranks and among allies. This is further exacerbated by visuals of devastated cities and relentless bombing, exacerbating stress levels, and stirring a sense of impending doom.

The aftermath is being experienced by both Ukrainians and Russians alike, as they suffer the loss of skilled soldiers, common conscripts, and valuable military equipment on a large scale.

Vladimir Putin's military failed to achieve its strategic objectives, specifically, the capture of Kiev within three days. Battles persist in eastern Ukraine, with no clear end in sight.

Despite the propagation of falsified information by Russian media, it appears that Russians are growing weary of the constant state of war.

According to fresh Russian polls, over 70 percent of Russians would be prepared to endorse Vladimir Putin's decision, if he decided to halt the war with Ukraine "this very week".

The poll was managed fully under Kremlin supervision by the Levan Center. This indicates that this information was intentionally made public.

Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted an intriguing detail. Polls also signify that if Vladimir Putin were to cease the war with the stipulation of returning the occupied territories, merely one third of Russians would back his actions.

Over a span of five months, Ukraine has managed to shift the front line merely about 10 miles. This has eroded the West's optimism that an effective resistance against Russia might convince Vladimir Putin of the futility of winning the war, thereby coercing him to negotiate.