Edith Hejberg
As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin prepare to meet, Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines offer a sobering perspective.
Reporting from Moldova, HotNews correspondent Oxana Bodnar reached out to troops via messaging apps.
The soldiers, weary yet resolute, shared their views on the prospects of peace, the future of Ukraine’s borders, and what December 10, 2025 might mean for the war.
“We Know We Can’t Win It All”: A Soldier’s Stark Realism
Lieutenant Colonel Denis Yaroslavchi, stationed near Kharkiv, spoke candidly about the military’s limitations.
“Let me be concise. No soldier in Ukraine today wants this war to continue. But deep down, we understand we won’t regain even the 2022 borders by force.”
His remarks reflect a collective realization among troops: without international military backing, Ukraine’s full territorial recovery is unlikely.
Europe Stays Distant, Ukraine Stands Alone
Yaroslavchi laments the lack of broader military support.
“We no longer have any illusions. Europe is afraid to get involved. We’re left with just our own people, and that resource is wearing thin.”
He also sees Trump’s decision to meet in Alaska as symbolic: “It shows he doesn’t consider Ukraine or Europe key decision-makers in ending this war.”
“We Won’t Give Up What We Died For”
Despite diplomatic talks, Yaroslavchi says Ukrainian forces won’t retreat.
“Even if Russia is granted a favorable deal, we will not leave Donetsk or Kherson. We won’t abandon what we’ve defended with our lives.”
He predicts only a temporary halt in fighting: “After Trump’s term ends, we’re convinced Russia will attack again.”
December 10, 2025: A Date to Watch
Yaroslavchi points to a symbolic deadline, December 10, 2025, when the Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded in Oslo.
“This is Trump’s ultimate dream. I believe the war will be frozen by then so he can claim that prize. But make no mistake, it will only be a pause, not true peace.”
“We’re Being Asked to Trade Territory for Territory”
Sergeant Alex Kubov, stationed in Pokrovske, fears the price of compromise.
“After the Trump-Putin meeting, he’ll probably accuse us of rejecting peace.
But what we’re being offered is trading Ukrainian territory for Ukrainian territory, without any guarantees.”
Surrendering Fortified Defenses Is Not an Option
Kubov warns that giving up the Donetsk region would mean abandoning hard-won defensive lines built over 11 years.
“That would leave us exposed in the event of a renewed Russian assault. Many civilians want peace at any cost, but we in the military know that’s just postponing the inevitable.”
“We Fight Without the US—Like We Always Have”
Kubov voices frustration over tepid Western support.
“With allies in this weak position, we’ll never get back to the 1991 borders. Still, we’ll fight to the end, even without U.S. help. We’ve done it for most of the war already.”
679 Days in Captivity: A Veteran’s Warning
Vlad Zadorin, a soldier held prisoner for nearly two years, believes any appeasement of Russia will backfire.
“Letting Russia off the hook will only encourage future aggression. Ukrainians want peace more than anyone, but not at the cost of losing our country.”
All Eyes on Trump—and the Future of Europe
Zadorin sees Trump as holding the cards.
“He can either embolden Putin or set terms that delay future war: NATO and EU membership for Ukraine, and no international recognition of occupied territories.”
But he warns, “Putin isn’t playing fair. Only when Russia is on its knees economically or militarily will meaningful talks be possible.”
