Ukrainian soldiers skeptical that proposed agreement will bring lasting peace after years of war

Enduring damp basements and muddy trenches under nearly four years of relentless Russian attacks, Ukrainian troops report that their determination stems from a profound sense of duty to defend their homeland. Despite ongoing peace negotiations, soldiers remain convinced that Russia intends to seize Ukraine, either immediately or after regrouping in the future. They stress that Kyiv must maintain a substantial military presence to secure the nearly 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) frontline.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are the primary shield safeguarding civilian life from our aggressive neighbor, said a 40-year-old artilleryman known by the call sign Kelt, speaking near the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. He requested his precise location remain undisclosed due to operational security.

Troops express skepticism about Russia honoring any peace deal. Without strong security assurances, such as potential NATO membership, both soldiers and military analysts warn a renewed Russian assault with fresh forces is inevitable.

From a mud-walled trench, hiding from enemy drones, Kelt predicted a temporary truce that would allow Russia to rebuild its forces for another offensive in a few years. This ceasefire will be brief just enough for Russia to regroup and strike again, said Kelt, formerly a furniture salesman from Kyiv, as artillery boomed around him.

Serhii Filimonov, commander of the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, voiced concern that any deal could embolden Russia to prepare for future attacks. A real peace can only come after Russia is defeated or its leadership changes, he stated. Filimonov recounted how Russian forces briefly entered Pokrovsk, a strategic hub in Donetsk, but were expelled by his unit, though support from neighboring inexperienced units was often lacking.

Russian claims of capturing cities after prolonged battles are disputed by Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported ongoing fighting in Paris, stressing the resilience of Ukrainian forces. Analysts like Rob Lee highlight that Ukraines limited manpower and reserves mean that any weak spot could allow Russian advances.

Many battalions on the frontline are understrength, with only a fraction of the usual 400800 soldiers. Despite efforts to recruit 30,000 new troops per month, some evade service or are unfit for combat. Nevertheless, Ukraine has maintained control over strategic towns like Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Vovchansk, reflecting the high motivation and resilience of its soldiers, according to Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles UAV Brigade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists the conflict will continue unless Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces Moscow annexed in 2022. Moscow currently occupies half of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, and two-thirds of Donetsk. Proposed U.S.-Russia peace plans suggest limits on Ukraines military and partial withdrawals, though the final terms remain uncertain.

Observers note Russias 2025 advances are faster than in previous years, but capturing the remaining Donetsk territories is not guaranteed. Ukraine prioritizes defense along key fronts while Russia advances in multiple directions simultaneously.

Kelt criticized any proposal to downsize Ukraines military, arguing it would leave the country more vulnerable. Maintaining over 1 million active personnel is only possible with continued Western support. Since the conflict began in 2022, Ukraine has allocated almost all tax revenue to military needs, relying on Western grants for healthcare, education, pensions, and energy.

The EU has committed $50 billion in aid from 20242027, yet Ukraine projects a need of $83.4 billion for military spending and $52 billion for other state expenses in 20262027, according to Glib Buriak of Concordia University. How Russias frozen assets are handled in the peace plan will significantly influence Ukraines financial stability and its ability to sustain the armed forces in the coming years.

Author: Sophia Brooks