Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines skeptical about the proposed peace agreement with Russia

DNIPROPETROVSK REGION, Ukraine Battling through damp shelters and muddy trenches amid nearly four years of ongoing conflict, Ukrainian soldiers find strength in defending their homeland. Despite efforts to negotiate peace, troops remain convinced that Russia aims to conquer Ukraine either now or with renewed forces in the future, regardless of any agreements. They stress that Kyiv must maintain a large military presence along the approximately 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) front line.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are the primary shield protecting civilian life from an aggressive neighbor, said a 40-year-old artillery operator known by his call sign Kelt, speaking near the border between the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. He requested his exact location remain confidential.

Ukrainian soldiers are skeptical that Moscow would honor any peace settlement. Many, along with military experts, believe that without strong security assurances, such as NATO membership, a new Russian offensive with fresh troops is inevitable. From a trench lined with mud walls, Kelt, sheltering from enemy drones, fears any truce would only be temporary. This ceasefire will allow Russia to regroup for three to five years, then they will return, he said, as artillery echoed around him.

Serhii Filimonov, commander of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion, expressed concern that a deal could enable Russia to prepare for a new offensive. Peace wont last until Russia is defeated or its leadership changes, he said. Filimonov recounted how Russian forces briefly entered Pokrovsk, a strategic hub in Donetsk, but were repelled. His unit held their section of the line despite challenges with neighboring brigades composed largely of inexperienced recruits.

While the Kremlin claims Russian troops captured Pokrovsk after over a year of fighting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the battle continues. U.S. military analyst Rob Lee explained that a significant Russian advance depends on Ukraine maintaining and reinforcing its forces. Ukraine has manpower shortages and limited reserves. If one brigade struggles, Russia can push forward, he noted.

Military expert Taras Chmut reported that some frontline battalions operate with as few as 20 fighters, far below the typical 400-800. Even with up to 30,000 recruits mobilized monthly, many evade service or are unsuitable for frontline duties. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces continue to hold key locations, including Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Vovchansk, despite heavy Russian efforts. Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles UAV Brigade, emphasized that repeated Russian failures demonstrate the resilience and motivation of Ukrainian troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that combat will persist unless Ukraine withdraws from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions annexed by Moscow in 2022. Russian forces currently control only portions of these provinces. A proposed U.S.-Russia peace draft suggested limiting Ukraines military and withdrawing forces from Donetsk. Zelenskyy indicated revisions could be acceptable, but the final plan remains uncertain. Lee observed that although Russian advances in 2025 are faster, capturing the remainder of Donetsk by 2026 is not guaranteed.

Kelt criticized proposals to reduce Ukraines military, calling it a dangerous concession. Maintaining the army of over 1 million personnel relies heavily on continued Western aid. Since 2022, Ukraine has devoted most tax revenue to military needs, with other state functions funded by international support. The EU allocated $50 billion for 20242027, yet Ukraine will require $83.4 billion for military and $52 billion for other state expenditures for 20262027, according to Glib Buriak, economics professor at Concordia University. The management of Russias frozen assets will be critical to Ukraines financial stability and ability to sustain its armed forces in the coming years.

Author: Sophia Brooks