Ukrainian soldiers doubt peace prospects as Russia touts new ‘capture’ claims

Moving through damp basements and muddy frontline dugouts as they repel relentless Russian assaults, Ukraine’s weary soldiers say their resolve remains rooted in a clear purpose — defending their homeland.

Yet even as diplomats push for a peace agreement, those on the front lines are convinced that Russia’s ambitions will not end with any deal. Many believe Moscow will attempt to seize Ukraine outright — whether immediately or by rebuilding its forces for a renewed offensive in the coming years, according to foregin media report.

Skepticism over Moscow’s intentions

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Troops emphasise that Ukraine must retain a strong and sizeable military to secure the nearly 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) front line. They voice deep mistrust toward Moscow’s commitment to any potential agreement. Without firm security guarantees, such as full NATO membership, both soldiers and military analysts warn that another large-scale Russian assault — backed by new personnel and equipment — is all but certain, according to a foreign media report.

Seeing future Russian threats

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed that Russian forces had taken control of Krasnoarmeysk in the Donetsk region and Volchansk in the Kharkov region, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The president received the reports from Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov, Commander of the Centre Force Valery Solodchuk and Commander of the East Force Andrei Ivanayev, said the statement on Monday, foreign media reported.

In his report, Gerasimov announced the capture of Krasnoarmeysk and Volchansk, also detailing the results of offensive operations in other areas. Solodchuk said the Ukrainian armed forces surrounded near the Krasnoarmeysk-Dimitrov agglomeration were being eliminated, noting that the southern part of Dimitrov was now under Russian control.

Ivanayev reported progress in taking control of the Zaporizhzhia and Dnepropetrovsk regions, announcing that his force had reached the Gaichur river and units of the 5th Combined Arms Army were beginning an operation to capture Gulyaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. Putin thanked commanders and personnel for their efficiency and instructed officers to ensure troops are well-equipped for operations during the upcoming winter months. Later Monday night, the Russian Defence Ministry released video footage from Krasnoarmeysk showing servicemen raising the Russian flag in the city’s main square.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces continue to hold their ground in places like Pokrovsk, as well as in Kupiansk and Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region — two key sites Russia has been trying to seize for over a year, said Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles UAV Brigade fighting in the area.

Russia has poured tens of thousands of soldiers into the offensive, he said, adding that its failure to capture the towns “testifies to the high motivation and resilience of the Ukrainian army.” Putin said last week that fighting will not stop unless Ukraine withdraws troops from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — the four provinces Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022. Russian troops currently occupy only half of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, and two-thirds of Donetsk.