Ukrainian service members of the 68th Jaeger Brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush attend military exercises at a training ground, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine February 20, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo
Ukrainian Front-Line Soldiers Express Skepticism Over U.S.-Russia Peace Talks
Concerns Over Exclusion from Negotiations
As Russia and the United States engage in peace talks aimed at ending three years of war in Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines remain unconvinced that diplomacy will bring a swift resolution, particularly as Kyiv has been excluded from direct negotiations.
- Infantryman “Rugbyist” recalled Ukraine’s fierce resistance in the early weeks of Russia’s 2022 invasion, before receiving significant Western military support. He expressed skepticism about U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “You can’t be betrayed by a person you didn’t expect anything from.”
- Another soldier, “Pruzhynka,” dismissed the ongoing negotiations in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his determination to continue fighting regardless of any diplomatic developments. “Maybe they decided something over there – but that’s their opinion,” he said. “Ukrainians won’t believe all that.”
Fears of a U.S.-Russia Deal at Ukraine’s Expense
Trump’s push for a rapid peace agreement with Moscow, while sidelining Kyiv, has raised concerns among Ukrainian leaders and Western allies that Ukraine may be pressured into an unfavorable settlement.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly rejected any deal made without Ukraine’s participation and continues to demand strong security guarantees from Western partners before considering any agreement.
- Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg stated on Friday that he had “extensive and positive” discussions with Zelenskiy in Kyiv, but he did not provide specific details.
- The Kremlin, meanwhile, hinted at a potential meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though details remain unconfirmed.
Ongoing Fighting Along the Eastern Front
Despite diplomatic efforts, the reality on the battlefield remains unchanged. Ukrainian forces are outmanned and outgunned as they struggle to repel Russian advances, particularly in the east.
- Fighting has been particularly intense near Pokrovsk, a strategic logistics hub where Ukraine’s 68th Jaeger Brigade is defending against Russian assaults.
- Soldiers at a training base in southeastern Ukraine expressed little faith in diplomatic resolutions, arguing that the war can only end through continued resistance.
“There are many patriots among us – we’re descendants of the Cossacks,” said a soldier known as “Alladin”, who was leading training exercises. “We will fight till the end.”
Outlook for the War and Diplomacy
While diplomatic channels remain open, the Ukrainian military’s skepticism reflects broader concerns that any U.S.-Russia agreement could leave Ukraine in a vulnerable position. The exclusion of Kyiv from negotiations continues to fuel distrust among Ukraine’s armed forces, who remain resolute in their fight for sovereignty.
As discussions continue, Ukraine’s leadership faces the challenge of ensuring any negotiated settlement upholds its territorial integrity and long-term security, while its soldiers remain committed to defending their homeland on the battlefield.
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