Ukrainian Soldiers Skeptical of Trump‘s Promise for Swift Peace
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Months of brutal fighting have solidified Kostya’s cynicism, along with his fierce determination to defend his homeland. Even talk of Donald Trump, the newly elected US president promising a rapid end to the war, doesn’t shake his resolve.
“January 20th is Trump’s inauguration. January 21st was the end of the war. “On January 22, I plan to celebrate my birthday at home,” Kostya, a 23-year-old soldier, quipped sarcastically.
He was taking a brief respite with fellow soldiers, enjoying a meal of kebabs they jokingly labeled “disgusting,” a few kilometers from Kurakhove, a town frequently targeted by Russian forces.
The reality of the situation, however, was far from celebratory.
“A quick peace is possible,” Kostya said in a more serious tone.
“But only at our expense,” interjected Valerya, a 22-year-old soldier serving alongside him.
Kostya’s skepticism was shared by many on the front lines in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. Trump’s bold claim of securing a ceasefire within 24 hours of taking office has raised alarms across the country, fueling fears that Kyiv may be pressured to accept peace terms unfavorable to Ukraine.
Adding to the unease is Trump’s lack of specific details regarding his plan to resolve the conflict. Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, he has not publicly called for a Ukrainian victory or expressed unwavering support for Kyiv’s right to defend itself. In fact, Trump has repeatedly criticized American military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The appointment of Keith Kellogg, a retired general who has advocated for Ukraine to make concessions to end the war, as Trump’s envoy to Ukraine further amplified anxieties.
For soldiers like Kostya and Valerya, the possibility of a hasty peace deal brokered by Trump, without securing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence, is simply unacceptable.
They have witnessed firsthand the brutality of the ongoing war, the devastation inflicted upon their country, and the sacrifices made by their comrades. The enduring will to defend their homeland drives them, and they remain steadfast in their resolve, even in the face of a potentially uncertain future.
Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the high stakes involved in achieving a lasting peace.
What specific concerns do Ukrainian soldiers have regarding the details and implications of a potential peace agreement?
## Ukrainian Soldiers Remain Doubting of Trump’s Peace Promise
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the recent comments from newly elected US President, Donald Trump, promising a swift end to the conflict. Joining us is Ukrainian journalist, Oksana Kovalenko, who has been reporting from the front lines. Oksana, thanks for being here.
**Oksana Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** You’ve been speaking with Ukrainian soldiers who have reacted to President Trump’s promise. What are they saying?
**Oksana Kovalenko:** There’s a lot of skepticism on the ground. Many soldiers, like Kostya, a 23-year-old I spoke with recently, are taking this promise with a grain of salt. After months of brutal fighting, they’re understandably wary of any quick fixes.
Kostya, for example, even joked about celebrating his birthday at home on January 22nd, the day after the inauguration, as if to highlight the improbability of such a swift resolution [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65573756)].
**Host:** What are the soldiers’ main concerns?
**Oksana Kovalenko:** They’re concerned about the specifics of this supposed peaceful resolution. They wonder what concessions Ukraine would have to make, what guarantees Russia would actually offer, and if promises from a new US administration will truly translate into meaningful action on the ground.
**Host:** So, it seems the soldiers are hoping for peace, but they’re not necessarily buying into this particular promise?
**Oksana Kovalenko:** Precisely. They yearn for an end to the conflict, but they’re battle-hardened and realistic. They know that peace won’t come easily, and they’re prepared for a long fight if that’s what it takes to defend their homeland.
**Host:** Powerful words from the front lines. Thank you, Oksana, for that insightful perspective.
**Oksana Kovalenko**: Thank you for having me.
