Ukraine’s Most Potent Weapon Is the Soldiers Who Refuse to Quit
Thousands who joined the military in the early days of the war are still on the front lines despite the mounting toll on their lives Ihor Vizirenko joined Ukraine’s army in the weeks after the Russian invasion more than four years ago. Ihor Vizirenko joined Ukraine’s army in the weeks after the Russian invasion more than four years ago. By Alistair MacDonald and Nikita Nikolaienko | Photography by Justyna Mielnikiewicz for WSJ The Wall Street Journal , June 24, 2026 11:00 pm ET Quick Summary --Ukrainian soldiers demonstrate resilience after over four years of war, with early signs indicating a shift against Russia. --Jr. Lt. Ihor Vizirenko, fighting for over four years, bears physical and psychological scars. He sees his 3-year-old daughter only twice a year. --Ukraine faces recruitment struggles, but 57% of Ukrainians reject Russian demands that Ukraine give up control of its eastern Donbas region, and soldiers like Vizirenko remain committed to the fight. This summary was generate...