This is why Zelensky needs to get a reality check. He has to face facts that the Russinan population are historically used to slumming it and are a lot more brainwashed and suffer in silence than the rest of the EU. Putin will keep up the cannon fodder and surpress the casualty lists, its part of their remit, while slowly grinding Ukraine into submission. Unless some kind of deal is done, long term Ukraine will become a ruin as we can't support them forever.
Ukraine I believe has taken the first step towards EU membership? If that's not a bluff I'd thought it was a risky step without some appeasement to Putin (to save face for both him and the kremlin). Perhaps Zelensky may be told he'll have to give up the East for some kind of permanent security for the rest of the country, perhaps allowing trade to move through the ports and black sea. Shit situation to be in, no good outcome other than how to spare as many lives as possible.