Ukrainian Army Rejects Trump's Proposal For Kyiv To Leave Territory To Russia

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - Ukrainian soldiers preparing to fight admit that they are not convinced of the prospect of a quick ceasefire. Many soldiers rejected the proposal for Kyiv to hand over part of its contested territory to Russia.

Reuters interviewed troops at two training bases in the northeastern Kharkiv region this week, days before a planned meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir putin.

Ukraine fears the two leaders could take advantage of their summit on Friday, August 15 to dictate the terms of peace and force Kyiv to leave their territory.

"Give it to whom? Give it for what?" asked the commander of Ukraine's 58th Motor Brigade training base, whose nickname is Chef.

Trump previously said both Kyiv and Moscow needed to give up territory to end the war, which is now entering its fourth year.

EU leaders united to defend Ukraine on Tuesday, August 12 by saying Ukraine must have the freedom to determine its own future.

The joint statement comes as Russian troops suddenly storm eastern Ukraine in a bid to penetrate the main defensive line, which is likely aimed at increasing pressure on Kyiv to give up its territory.

A quick push into the battlefield by the larger and more complete Russian army following months of deadly airstrikes in Ukrainian cities.

The Gallup survey released last week showed 69% of Ukrainians supported the settlement of the war through negotiations as soon as possible.

However, almost the same number believes that fighting will not end soon.

"Every path to peace is built through negotiations," said another 58th Brigade soldier, codenamed Champion, who sits in an armored vehicle.

"But I can't say that tomorrow there will be peace just like that. Because the enemy continues to infiltrate," he continued.

Trump said his talks with Putin would be a "meeting for a trial".

Trump will tell the Russian leader to end this war. However, he also hinted that he might back down and let both sides continue to fight.

Other Ukrainian troops training in Kharkiv region also welcomed the ceasefire, but said the Kremlin needed to be forced to make peace.

"Until Russia suffers considerable losses to stop the idea of military pressure against us, (the battle) will continue," said an instructor from the 43rd Separate Mechanical Brigade, whose nickname code is Siput.

"Otherwise, we won't be able to stop this," he continued.