The patriotic popular mood the volunteers exemplify puts Mr Poroshenko in a tight spot. Parliamentary elections loom in late October. Some Ukrainian experts expect battalion commanders with designs on political power to stand, the Economist writes.
The battalions are “very strong in Ukrainian society”, says Mykola Sungurovskyi, director of military programmes at the Razumkov Centre. “Ukrainian independence is sacred for them.” It will be hard for Mr Poroshenko, who has no military background, to sell a ceasefire if the battalions do not back it.
“We’re playing by Putin’s rules and reacting to his moves,” says Mr Sungurovskyi. “That’s what’s dangerous.” …read more
Source: Razumkov Centre