As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, many Ukrainians are expressing concerns about upcoming peace talks between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia, which exclude Kyiv's participation. The absence of Ukrainian officials in the negotiations has left citizens feeling sidelined and anxious about the potential outcomes.
Recent developments, including U.S. President Donald Trump's agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin negotiations, have sparked unease among Ukrainians. The suggestion by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that NATO membership for Ukraine may be unrealistic and the possibility of Ukraine giving up territory in a settlement have further fueled apprehension.
While there is widespread support for ending the conflict among the war-weary population, Ukrainians are adamant that any resolution must not come at the expense of those living in Russian-occupied territories or leave the country vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the upcoming talks, emphasizing the need for Ukrainian involvement to yield meaningful results. Many fear that a premature end to the fighting without a robust security infrastructure in place could embolden Russia to launch future attacks.
Amidst these uncertainties, Ukrainian battalion commander Oleksandr Shyrshyn stressed the importance of U.S. support in achieving Ukraine's goals of reclaiming occupied territories and securing NATO membership. He warned that without such backing, Ukraine would face more losses but remain committed to fighting for its existence.
As Ukrainians grapple with the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the implications of potential peace negotiations, the future remains uncertain, with concerns about lasting security and the broader implications for Europe's relationship with Russia.
