Camilla Jessen
As talk of peace negotiations with Russia grows, Ukrainian frontline troops are sending a clear message to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Just hours after a three-day ceasefire proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin expired, Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines voiced firm opposition to the peace talks.
Speaking to Reuters from a bunker near the front, a National Guard commander known by the call sign “Chepa” said any negotiations must begin only after Russia retreats to Ukraine’s internationally recognized 1991 borders—the year the country gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
As a soldier and a citizen of Ukraine, I believe that before we sit down at the negotiating table, we must return to the 1991 borders,” Chepa said. “Complete withdrawal of all troops from the territory of Ukraine. Only then can we discuss.
Other soldiers echoed his stance, rejecting the idea that Moscow has any right to demand territory or dictate peace terms.
Putin’s Proposal and Ukraine’s Response
Putin proposed direct peace talks less than an hour after the temporary truce ended.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while not dismissing the idea outright, made it clear that Russia must first accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, starting Monday, before any talks can happen.
The Kremlin has continued to insist that Ukraine must accept the “reality on the ground,” referring to the nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian occupation.
But under Ukraine’s constitution, no foreign occupation can be recognized, and discussions over borders are constitutionally restricted.
Putin suggested a revival of a 2022 draft agreement that would have required Ukraine to remain permanently neutral.
However, this contradicts Ukraine’s amended 2019 constitution, which includes a formal goal of joining NATO.
Soldiers Doubt Talks Will Happen
Despite the public talk of ceasefires and diplomacy, Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines say they have seen no sign of peace.
We did not see any ceasefire,” Chepa said. “The attacks were continuous with howitzers, rocket launchers—they used everything they had.
Russian reconnaissance drones were spotted flying over frontline villages even after the ceasefire ended.
Chepa supports peace in principle but believes Putin is unwilling to engage in meaningful talks.
Yes, we need negotiations. But Putin is afraid of them.
International Pressure Builds for Ceasefire
European leaders have backed Ukraine’s position.
On Saturday, the heads of government from Britain, France, Germany, and Poland expressed support for an unconditional ceasefire, aligning with Zelensky’s demand.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted away from the Biden administration’s stance, dropping calls for Russia’s immediate withdrawal and instead advocating for a temporary ceasefire between both sides.