Ukrainian soldiers are deeply skeptical of a proposed peace plan that would see them abandon key territories to Russian forces, with many viewing it as a form of capitulation. For some, the idea is even more galling than the initial assault by Russia in 2022.
The plan would involve recognizing the de facto control of Russian-backed separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, areas that have been fiercely contested since the conflict began. This prospect has sparked outrage among Ukrainian forces, with many arguing that such a deal would be a betrayal of the country's sovereignty.
Some analysts believe that Ukraine should consider a peace agreement, even one that is punitive in nature, due to growing recruitment challenges and reports of desertion within its military ranks. However, others warn against rushing into any deal that could compromise Ukraine's territorial integrity.
"I am against giving up those parts of Donetsk region that we still hold," said Rzhavskyi, a 44-year-old Ukrainian soldier fighting in the east. "Of course, for me this is a painful issue, because all of this is happening in my homeland."
Rzhavskyi commands a drone unit and has been on the front lines since the full-scale Russian invasion began four years ago. He has seen the devastating impact of war firsthand, including the destruction of his health.
If peace were to be achieved, Rzhavskyi would focus on recovery and rebuilding his life with his two sons, ages 5 and 14. However, he emphasized that any decision about abandoning Ukrainian positions must come from military leadership, not the government.
"If it comes without an explanation, it will not be carried out," Rzhavskyi said. "It is not the state leadership sitting in the trenches. It is our boys in the trenches. They have the right to decide."
Others, like Lieutenant Oleksandr, a 43-year-old Ukrainian special forces soldier stationed in the south, are equally adamant that their country cannot afford to make concessions on key territory.
"Nobody will make concessions on the size of the military, because it's our security guarantee," he said. "Nobody will make concessions on the territories, because it's our land and we stand here."
The situation is further complicated by Russia's superior numbers and ammunition, which has made it difficult for Ukrainian forces to counterattack.
Kyiv has struggled to recruit enough soldiers, with growing reports of desertion as the war drags on. This has led some analysts to suggest that a peace agreement could be a way to stabilize the situation and prevent further losses.
However, not everyone is convinced that such a deal would be beneficial for Ukraine. For Lieutenant Dmytro Melnyk, 46, a professional para athlete who competed at the Paris Paralympics last summer, the prospect of abandoning Ukrainian territory is unbearable.
"At the beginning of the war, we were like 'Go, go, go,' and it's not the case anymore," he said. "Obviously, I won't stop until the war is done, but my soul is torn."
Melnyk's experience has left him with a deep-seated fear of death, which he says is constant.
In Kyiv, the situation remains grim, with soldiers on both sides weary of the ongoing conflict. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine will be able to find a peaceful resolution that does not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The plan would involve recognizing the de facto control of Russian-backed separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, areas that have been fiercely contested since the conflict began. This prospect has sparked outrage among Ukrainian forces, with many arguing that such a deal would be a betrayal of the country's sovereignty.
Some analysts believe that Ukraine should consider a peace agreement, even one that is punitive in nature, due to growing recruitment challenges and reports of desertion within its military ranks. However, others warn against rushing into any deal that could compromise Ukraine's territorial integrity.
"I am against giving up those parts of Donetsk region that we still hold," said Rzhavskyi, a 44-year-old Ukrainian soldier fighting in the east. "Of course, for me this is a painful issue, because all of this is happening in my homeland."
Rzhavskyi commands a drone unit and has been on the front lines since the full-scale Russian invasion began four years ago. He has seen the devastating impact of war firsthand, including the destruction of his health.
If peace were to be achieved, Rzhavskyi would focus on recovery and rebuilding his life with his two sons, ages 5 and 14. However, he emphasized that any decision about abandoning Ukrainian positions must come from military leadership, not the government.
"If it comes without an explanation, it will not be carried out," Rzhavskyi said. "It is not the state leadership sitting in the trenches. It is our boys in the trenches. They have the right to decide."
Others, like Lieutenant Oleksandr, a 43-year-old Ukrainian special forces soldier stationed in the south, are equally adamant that their country cannot afford to make concessions on key territory.
"Nobody will make concessions on the size of the military, because it's our security guarantee," he said. "Nobody will make concessions on the territories, because it's our land and we stand here."
The situation is further complicated by Russia's superior numbers and ammunition, which has made it difficult for Ukrainian forces to counterattack.
Kyiv has struggled to recruit enough soldiers, with growing reports of desertion as the war drags on. This has led some analysts to suggest that a peace agreement could be a way to stabilize the situation and prevent further losses.
However, not everyone is convinced that such a deal would be beneficial for Ukraine. For Lieutenant Dmytro Melnyk, 46, a professional para athlete who competed at the Paris Paralympics last summer, the prospect of abandoning Ukrainian territory is unbearable.
"At the beginning of the war, we were like 'Go, go, go,' and it's not the case anymore," he said. "Obviously, I won't stop until the war is done, but my soul is torn."
Melnyk's experience has left him with a deep-seated fear of death, which he says is constant.
In Kyiv, the situation remains grim, with soldiers on both sides weary of the ongoing conflict. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine will be able to find a peaceful resolution that does not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
. I mean, I can understand why Ukrainian soldiers would be skeptical - it's their country they're fighting for, after all 
. But at the same time, I get why some analysts think a peace agreement could be beneficial, even if it means giving up some territory 
.
. If a peace plan could bring an end to this suffering without compromising their sovereignty, I think that's something worth considering 
.
. Can't we all just try to find a middle ground here? 
. I mean, they've been fighting for four years already and losing guys left & right. Can't imagine how hard it must be to just give up on something like that. My cousin's a gamer and he's always saying "try before you buy" but when it comes to war its way more complicated than just taking a stand 
. I mean, Ukraine's already facing some serious recruitment challenges & desertion issues, so a peace agreement might be necessary to stabilize things 
. But if it means giving up control of Donetsk & Luhansk, that's just a no-go for me 
.
. We gotta support them, not just throw 'em under the bus 
.
. I think they deserve some support, like mental health services or something. We always talk about how hard the soldiers' lives are, but we rarely discuss how to help them after the war ends 
. But at the same time, i can see why its hard for these soldiers to just hand over parts of their homeland