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Ukrainian soldiers voice defiance and resignation over US peace proposals
Frontline Ukrainian troops have responded to leaked US peace proposals with a mix of anger, defiance, and weary acceptance, as negotiations between Kyiv and Washington continue to refine the framework. The reactions come amid Russia's recent battlefield gains, including the capture of an additional 450 sq km of Ukrainian territory in the past month alone.
Territorial concessions: 'Painful but inevitable?'
The original US draft proposes Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region-comprising Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts-even areas held for nearly four years of full-scale war. Kyiv currently controls about 15% of the region, a key Russian objective since 2014.
Soldiers' responses were sharply divided. A fighter known as Snake dismissed resistance: "Let them take it. There's practically no one left in the cities and villages... We're not fighting for the people but for the land, while losing more people." Staff officer Andrii called the proposal "painful and difficult" but suggested Ukraine may have "no other choice", citing dwindling military resources. Meanwhile, Matros, a veteran since 2018, argued surrendering Donbas would "nullify everything-all the efforts of the armed forces... disregard the lives of fallen soldiers and civilians."
Military downsizing: 'Security guarantees or empty promises?'
The plan caps Ukraine's armed forces at 600,000-larger than pre-2022 levels (250,000) but below current estimates (over 800,000). Snake questioned the logic: "What's the point of having so many people in the army if there will be security guarantees?" Andrii agreed, noting a peacetime economy couldn't sustain such numbers and that "people are tired and want to return to their families."
Others were skeptical. Medic Shtutser called the army "the only thing separating us from defeat and enslavement," while Matros deemed the reduction "absurd and manipulative."
Security guarantees: 'Europe spineless, US unreliable'
The draft excludes NATO membership but hints at US security guarantees-vague assurances that drew scorn. Drone operator Yevhen favored the UK-France "Coalition of the Willing" proposal to station foreign troops: "This is the only plan that will help us win."
Andrii dismissed European resolve as "completely spineless and divided," while Shtutser warned: "US security guarantees under its current government are not guarantees at all."
Elections and corruption: 'A government no one trusts'
The plan mandates elections within 100 days of a ceasefire-a move some soldiers supported amid corruption scandals. Snake stated: "Of course they are needed-those in power right now are not trusted." Marin demanded a "cleansing of corruption," while Andrii called for a "complete reset of government," though not immediately.
The backdrop includes allegations of $100m embezzlement in energy contracts, two sacked ministers, and investigations into a former deputy prime minister-fueling frontline frustration.
'Exhaustion and the cost of peace'
Despite reservations, exhaustion loomed large. Andrii conceded: "If it stops the war, then it works for me." Others were blunt: Yaroslav called the plan "unworkable," while Oleksandr dismissed it with profanity. The prevailing sentiment-reluctant pragmatism-underscored the toll of a war now in its 11th year of conflict.
"We may not want to give it up, but we won't be able to hold it by military force and resources."
Andrii, Ukrainian general staff officer
