KYIV, Ukraine — After almost three years of enduring the ominous threat of Russian airstrikes amid a grueling conflict arising from the ongoing invasion, many Ukrainians are desperate for a resolution to the war. However, a pervasive fear looms that any peace agreement may come with unfavorable conditions.
On Tuesday, senior officials from the U.S. and Russia are set to convene in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential conclusion to the conflict, notably without the participation of Ukrainian representatives. This has sparked resentment among Ukrainians who feel they may be overlooked in crucial discussions about their sovereignty. “We are suffering, Ukraine is struggling, and our president is absent from these talks?” voiced Lidiia Odyntsova, a 71-year-old Ukrainian citizen, expressing her disbelief. “We are the victims, and we should hold the central role in these negotiations.”
With tears in her eyes by a snow-covered memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the conflict, she added, “I will not forgive them! I will never forgive!”
While Ukraine won’t directly participate in the upcoming discussions, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that legitimate peace negotiations would necessitate Ukraine’s involvement. Nonetheless, many citizens are closely monitoring developments from the U.S. with growing anxiety. Ukrainian social media has increasingly reflected widespread unease, as many remain glued to their devices for updates.
Recent remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump have sent ripples across the Atlantic. Trump’s agreement to initiate negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin has disrupted a long-held U.S. stance aimed at isolating Moscow for its invasion. This announcement coincided with comments from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who asserted that NATO membership for Ukraine was impractical and implied that Kyiv might need to rethink its aspirations of reclaiming all territories lost to Russia, suggesting a potential settlement more aligned with Russian interests.
As Ukraine continues to lose ground to Russia’s superior forces, the situation becomes increasingly challenging for the negotiating stance of Kyiv. Hegseth’s remarks have dampened hopes regarding significant objectives for many Ukrainians. While there is a prevailing desire among the population for an end to hostilities, there is substantial consensus that such an end cannot come at the cost of those living under Russian control, nor can it risk future infiltrations by Moscow.
On the Fox News program “Sunday Morning Futures,” U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff refrained from addressing whether Ukraine would have to concede a “significant portion” of its land. “Those are details,” he stated, acknowledging their importance while emphasizing that the initial step should be focused on building trust.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the impending talks, predicting no fruitful outcomes in the absence of Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Valerii Semenii, a 59-year-old soldier fighting for Ukraine, expresses dire concerns about the ramifications of the negotiations. “Trump is heading towards a world war, as the aggressor cannot be appeased,” Semenii commented, citing historical lessons. “You may convince Putin today, but it might lead to a world war tomorrow. That’s all I can say about these negotiations.”
This feeling resonates with many in both the Ukrainian government and its populace, who fear that a premature resolution without a sturdy security framework could allow Russia to regroup and mount further offensives. “We need to acknowledge that Russia poses a threat not just to Ukraine,” stated Oleksandr Shyrshyn, a battalion commander operating in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have encountered heavy resistance yet maintain occupied territories. He emphasized the necessity for European nations to be included in negotiations, citing a collective fear of Russia’s ambitions.
Moreover, Shyrshyn believes that the dual objectives of reclaiming Russian-occupied territories and securing NATO membership for Ukraine remain achievable, provided the administration in the U.S. lends its substantial support. “Without backing from the U.S., we will suffer more fatalities and losses,” he warned, “but we will continue to resist because it’s a matter of our very existence.”
