The Commander of the Ukrainian National Guard, Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, said in an interview with the BBC that a military victory for Ukraine means regaining control over all of its territories, although this could take decades.
"Victory for Ukraine in military terms is, of course, regaining our territories. I understand that this may not be relevant today, but potentially in the future. It may take dozens of years — it doesn't matter", Pivnenko told correspondent Jeremy Bowen.
The general emphasizes that the return of the territories remains a strategic goal of the Ukrainian government and society. At the same time, he acknowledges that the current priority is the survival of the state and achieving a ceasefire.
"Ceding territories is impossible"
When asked whether Ukraine is ready to make territorial concessions, Pivnenko answers categorically: "This is impossible at the moment".
He admits that a ceasefire along the line of combat contact could be discussed, but emphasizes that "nobody will cede territories". However, he added that if the Supreme Commander-in-Chief issues such an order, the army will carry it out, since Ukraine is a state governed by the rule of law.
"We have lost a lot of population and territory to just stop and give them up", he emphasized.
What is missing for victory
According to the commander of the National Guard, the Ukrainian army primarily needs more weapons, especially long-range weapons.
"These can be long-range missiles to destroy command posts, aviation, as they do with their planes, and guided bombs, which we, unfortunately, do not have in the necessary quantity," says Pivnenko.
He noted that Ukraine has the capabilities for long-range strikes with drones, but for actions in operational depth, means comparable to missile systems such as HIMARS are needed, including the ability to launch from aviation platforms.
In terms of personnel, the general admits that Ukraine does not have enough forces for full-fledged rotations at the front. "We do not have a second set of troops to be able to safely give rest and leave", he says.
How the war has changed
Pivnenko, who participated in combat operations as early as 2014, notes that the war has become significantly more complicated after the massive introduction of drones.
"The infantryman is now the number one target. His movement has become hundreds of times more complicated," he explains.
Ukrainian soldiers are trying to reach their positions unnoticed and not reveal their presence in order to avoid artillery and drone strikes. During Russian assault operations, the general says, Ukrainian forces often do not open fire from the front line so as not to be unmasked, but destroy the enemy with drones in the second echelon.
He admits that Russian forces "learn very quickly" and act "reasonably", despite suffering serious losses.
How long can the war last
When asked how much longer Ukraine is ready to fight, Pivnenko replies that the country can defend itself "for several more years, 100%", especially with the support of European partners and the United States.
However, he emphasizes that wars must end. "Killing people for territory and resources is something that must end", says the general.
According to him, Ukrainian society is tired of war, but the key question remains "at what cost" peace will be achieved.
"Everyone wants the war to end. But will it be a ceasefire and rethinking the next steps, or a loss of territory? We will not give up anything," concludes Oleksandr Pivnenko.