Ukrainian Soldiers On The Frontline Reject Trump-Putin's Unilateral Peace Negotiations

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - This week's peace talks between Russia and the United States aimed at ending the three-year war in Ukraine did not give a good impression on Ukrainian frontline forces.

Soldiers on the front lines think fighting will not end quickly if Kyiv is not included in the negotiations.

Holding an assault rifle, an infantry soldier called "Rugbyist" recalled Ukraine's fierce resistance in the first weeks of Russia's invasion in February 2022, before Western support flowed rapidly, and advised its country could do so again if necessary.

After all, he has no big hope for US President Donald Trump defending Ukraine: "You cannot be betrayed by people you don't expect from."

Another soldier, known as "Pruzhynka", also underestimated Russia-US relations. talks were held in Saudi Arabia and said he was still planning to fight against the enemy when he returned to the front lines.

"Maybe they decided something there - but that's what they thought," the 21-year-old player, which means "springy season", told Reuters at a training center in southeastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian people will not believe in all of that, "reported by Reuters, Friday, February 21.

Trump's push to make peace with Moscow while ruling out Ukraine has left fears among many Ukrainians and their allies.

But frontline troops say they are determined to continue to struggle, given the three years of bitter sacrifice and the loss of tens of thousands of comrades in arms.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected any deals made without Ukrainian knowledge and has requested strong security guarantees from Kyiv partners before approving any settlement.

Trump's envoy Keith Kellogg said on Friday he had a wide and positive' talk with Zelenskiy during his trip to Kyiv but did not provide further information.

The Kremlin hinted at a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin but said details had not been determined.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Ukrainian troops who are outnumbered by personnel and weapons are struggling to contain Russia's progress in large parts of the eastern front.

The fighting was fierce near the Pokrovsk logistics center, which is partly maintained by Ukraine's 68th striker Brigade force.

At their training ground, the army said they did not really believe in the ongoing peace efforts and saw no end to the fighting.

"There are many patriots among us we are of Cossack descent, said Alladin, who is training troops.

We will fight until the end.