Ukrainian Soldiers Express Discontent with US Peace Proposals

Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines have expressed a range of emotions, including anger and disillusionment, towards a draft peace proposal from the United States. The initial details of the plan were leaked last week, prompting responses from several servicemen who communicated their views via social media and email.

As negotiations continue between American and Ukrainian officials to refine the proposals, concerns have been raised regarding the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and military capabilities.

Discontent with the Proposal

Yaroslav, a soldier stationed in eastern Ukraine, did not hold back his criticism of the draft, stating bluntly, "it sucks… no one will support it." His sentiment was echoed by an army medic known as Shtutser, who labelled the proposal as "an absolutely disgraceful draft of a peace plan, unworthy of our attention."

Conversely, a soldier who went by the name Snake suggested that some form of agreement is necessary, saying, "it's time to agree at least on something."

The US plan has surfaced during a period of heightened military activity, with Russian forces reportedly making significant advances. Over the past month, Ukraine has lost approximately 450 square kilometres of territory to Russia, intensifying fears about the future of the Donbas region. Currently, Ukraine maintains control over about 15% of this vital area, which encompasses the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

According to the draft, Ukraine would be required to cede the entirety of the Donbas region, including areas it has defended for nearly four years. Snake commented on the dire situation, saying, "Let them take it. There's practically no one left in the cities and villages… We're not fighting for the people but for the land, while losing more people."

Andrii, an officer in Ukraine's general staff, acknowledged the painful nature of conceding territory but suggested that Ukraine might have no viable alternative. "We may not want to give it up, but we won't be able to hold it by military force and resources," he noted.

The human cost of the conflict has been significant, with tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops reported lost while defending the eastern territories. Matros, a soldier who has been in combat since 2018, remarked that surrendering the Donbas would "nullify everything - all the efforts of the armed forces" and disregard the sacrifices made by both soldiers and civilians.

Military Limitations and Security Concerns

The draft plan also proposes a reduction in the size of Ukraine's armed forces to 600,000 personnel. This number remains higher than pre-war levels, which were approximately 250,000, but is smaller than the current estimated strength of over 800,000. Snake questioned the necessity of maintaining such a large military contingent if security guarantees are promised.

Andrii echoed this sentiment, stating, "If there are security guarantees, then of course there's no point in keeping such a large army. People are tired and want to return to their families." He expressed concern about the economic strain of sustaining a large military during peacetime.

Conversely, Shtutser argued that the military is critical to Ukraine's defence against potential defeat and enslavement, while Matros deemed the proposal to downsize forces as "absurd and manipulative."

Ukraine's acceptance of the US proposals hinges on the nature of future security guarantees. The draft explicitly excludes Ukraine's membership in NATO but does not rule out potential EU membership. It offers US security assurances should Russia launch further attacks, though specifics remain unclear. Additionally, the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine would be prohibited under the proposed agreement.

Yevhen, a drone operator, expressed his belief in the importance of foreign troops as a security guarantee, highlighting support for a UK-led initiative to deploy a reassurance force in Ukraine during a ceasefire.

Andrii, however, expressed scepticism about Europe’s ability to provide meaningful security assurances, stating, "Europe has turned out to be completely spineless and divided. It seems all hope rests only on the United States."

Concerns About Political Integrity

The US draft plan also suggests holding fresh elections within 100 days of the conflict's conclusion. Given Ukraine's constitution, elections cannot occur during wartime. There is growing dissatisfaction with the current government, which is facing serious corruption allegations investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Recent reports indicate that individuals allegedly profited from energy contracts amounting to $100 million.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has already dismissed two ministers amid the scandal. Among the soldiers interviewed, there is a clear desire for fresh elections. Snake noted, "Of course they are needed – those in power right now are not trusted," while Marin expressed the need for a government free of corruption.

Andrii also suggested the necessity for a complete government overhaul through new elections, albeit not immediately.

Despite the contentious nature of many proposals, the call for elections may be the least controversial aspect of the US plan. Overall, however, many soldiers voiced their doubts about the viability of the proposed framework. Yaroslav remarked, "It simply won't work," while Oleksandr dismissed it with an expletive.

The prevailing sentiment among those interviewed is a profound fatigue with the ongoing conflict. Andrii concluded, "If it stops the war, then it works for me."