Some veterans say Ukraine needs to face up to prospect of long war

A wounded Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Yabchanka walks on a street, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Lviv, Ukraine October 1, 2023. REUTERS/Roman Baluk

KYIV (Reuters) - Recovering from his third battlefield injury, Oleksandr Yabchanka had a warning for those Ukrainians he said may be burying their heads in the sand over the war with Russia.

"Guys, sooner or later it will catch up with you," said Yabchanka, who was back home in western Ukraine waiting for his wounded leg to heal before returning to his unit.