Ukraine war framed as survival fight, not tied to Zelenskyy's fate

An Atlantic Council analysis argues that Ukrainians' commitment to the war is rooted in national survival, not loyalty to President Zelenskyy, countering assumptions by Trump and Putin that his removal would enable a Kremlin-friendly peace deal. The piece is an opinion/analysis, not a factual report, and reflects a Western policy perspective. It signals that leadership change in Ukraine may not alter the conflict's trajectory, complicating any negotiated settlement.