The Morale Component of the Russia–Ukraine War

The 2022 Russia–Ukraine War raises fundamental questions about soldiers’ “will to fight” and the applicability of the post-heroic soldier concept. The article delves deep into the role of the “moral component” in this conflict and offers initial insights into its significance in modern armies. Our examination seeks to understand the dynamics of motivation, military education, belief systems, and strategic narratives. In this context, we conduct a preliminary analysis of Ukrainian forces’ morale, emphasizing its use in framing the war as a “people’s war” for mobilization. In addition, we broadly explore reports on the “moral crisis” within the Russian Armed Forces, examining the nuanced boundaries between morale, morality, and propaganda.