As the world watches, Ukrainians are feeling increasingly sidelined in matters that deeply impact their future. With three hours to go before crucial negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, citizens in Ukraine brace themselves for outcomes that seem to disregard their voices entirely. Notably absent from the talks is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which has left many feeling anxious and uncertain.
This week, President Trump hinted at the possibility of land swaps, a term that many interpret as a potential surrender of Ukrainian territory to Russia. In a nation where 95% of the populace harbors distrust towards Putin, there exists a palpable mix of skepticism regarding the negotiations and fatigue from the ongoing war. Tetyana Bessonova, a 30-year-old resident of Pokrovsk, expressed her concerns, stating, "My hometown is on the line of fire. If active fighting stops, would I be able to return?" The emotional weight of such decisions hits hard for those who grew up in affected regions.
Bessonova poignantly remarked, "These decisions might mean I could never go home again," highlighting the personal stakes involved in negotiations that overlook the voices of Ukrainians.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that Trump had agreed with European leaders that no territorial concessions would be made without Ukraine's approval. Trump has also indicated a desire to hold a second summit with Zelensky present, a move that many hope will give Ukraine a seat at the table. However, with Trump's unpredictable nature, there is little faith that he won’t be easily swayed by Putin during their one-on-one discussions.
Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian MP and chair of the foreign affairs committee, expressed his concerns, stating, "Knowing Trump, he can change his opinion very quickly. There is great danger in that for us." The fear that Trump may have already made agreements with Russia looms large.
Various scenarios have emerged regarding a potential ceasefire, ranging from a freeze of current frontlines to the formal annexation of regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. Polls indicate that while around 54% of Ukrainians support some form of compromise for a quicker end to the conflict, they demand security guarantees from international allies. The overwhelming distrust in Russia makes many wary of any agreement that lacks robust security measures.
Volodymyr, a sniper serving in the eastern front, expressed his fears, stating, "If we freeze the frontlines and cede territories, it will only serve as a platform for a new offensive." His concerns reflect a broader sentiment that any concession could lead to devastating consequences for Ukraine's sovereignty.
As the conflict continues, many Ukrainians are grappling with difficult choices regarding their future. Anton Grushetsky, director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, highlights that while 75% of Ukrainians oppose granting formal ownership of territory to Russia, the war's toll has left some fatigued enough to consider compromises. Luibov Nazarenko, a 70-year-old retired factory worker, emphasized the urgency of preserving life over land, saying, "The further it goes, the worse it becomes." Her poignant remarks underscore the desperation many feel as the war continues to claim lives.
On the day the negotiations were set to begin, Ukrainians observed the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of prayer and reflection. At St. Michael’s Monastery in Kyiv, priest Oleksandr Beskrovniy led a service, condemning the exclusion of Zelensky from the talks as "a great injustice." Acknowledging the grim reality facing Ukraine, he urged that negotiations should focus less on land and more on the people affected by the war.
As the world turns its attention to Alaska for this pivotal meeting, Ukrainians hope for a future that prioritizes their voices and ensures the safety of their citizens. The prayers of many are directed towards finding a resolution that brings peace, security, and justice for Ukraine.
