His belief in Ukraine’s ultimate victory over Russia has hardened into a form that worries some of his advisers....“He deludes himself”

Read the entire article but this part stunned me...

Despite the recent setbacks on the battlefield, he does not intend to give up fighting or to sue for any kind of peace. On the contrary, his belief in Ukraine’s ultimate victory over Russia has hardened into a form that worries some of his advisers. It is immovable, verging on the messianic. “He deludes himself,” one of his closest aides tells me in frustration. “We’re out of options. We’re not winning. But try telling him that.”

Here 

When aides are talking about their leader thinking in "messianic" ways I sit up straight and take notice.

But the stunning part is at the end.

They know they're not winning.

They know their options are narrowing (or gone).

They SHOULD KNOW that the longer this thing drags the worse it will get for them.

Don't care where you stand on the Ukraine/Russia fight.  All that is dust in the wind now.  We need to start thinking hard about what comes next.  What will Europe do with Ukraine after this is over.  Correction.  What will Europe do with what's left of Ukraine after this is over.

If I was in charge I'd be starting back channel talks with the Russia, Chinese, EU and figure this thing out.  A failed state in the heart of Europe is good for no one.  Additionally that place has been flooded with weapons.  Past time to start hunting them down.

Last thing.

This explains all the reports of massive corruption (beyond even the pre-war levels) coming out of Ukraine.  People are filling their bags and getting ready to run.