"No Peace Even with Ceasefire"... Skepticism Grows on Ukraine Front Ahead of U.S.-Russia Summit

Russian Offensive Intensifies in Eastern Donetsk
"Repeated Escalation with Every Negotiation"

The Associated Press reported on August 11 (local time) that skepticism about peace is growing on the frontlines, even as a U.S.-Russia summit to discuss a ceasefire in the Ukraine war approaches.

Reuters Yonhap News

Soldiers on Ukraine's eastern front remain skeptical about the upcoming summit in Alaska on August 15, as months have passed since U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of an early end to the war and attempted to mediate a ceasefire, yet no results have materialized. Confusion and resistance are spreading among the troops, especially after President Trump mentioned a "territorial exchange," and major foreign media outlets reported that a plan to cede the entire Donetsk region in the east to Russia is being discussed.

According to the Associated Press, many Ukrainian soldiers believe that even after a ceasefire agreement, Russia will simply pause its offensive, regroup, and then launch an even larger attack, rather than ending the war. Dmytro Roviniukov, a soldier from the 148th Brigade, said, "At the very least, if the current fighting stops, it would be the first sign that some kind of agreement has been reached, but that is not happening." Mirche from the 68th Brigade also said that every time there is news of negotiations, Russian hostilities intensify, adding, "When peace talks begin, the front becomes even more terrifying."

In fact, even after the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska was confirmed, Russia has continued its offensive in Ukraine. On this day, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces had captured the village of Fedorivka in Donetsk through active operations. Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) government established by Russia in Donetsk, also claimed, "Russian forces are in complete control of the situation in all battles in Donetsk."

Serhii Filimonov, commander of Ukraine's 59th Brigade, predicted that signing a territorial exchange and ceasefire agreement would only be a temporary solution. He said, "We are preparing for a long war. There is no illusion that Russia will stop," adding, "There may be a ceasefire, but peace will not come."

As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine is also facing difficulties in recruiting new soldiers. Many enlisted in the early days of Russia's invasion three and a half years ago. Some thought they would serve only briefly and leave, while others did not think about the future at all. Roviniukov said, "This is our land and we have nowhere else to go. We are here because there is no other way. No one else will come here to defend us."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.