**Ukraine’s Soldiers on Ceasefire Proposal: “Russia Will Not Keep Its Word”**
The world is watching as Ukraine and the US negotiate a ceasefire proposal in Saudi Arabia. But what do Ukrainian soldiers think about this plan? We spoke to five serving soldiers, and their views are not optimistic.
For Lieutenant Colonel Bohdan Krotevych, it’s clear that Russia will not agree to a ceasefire without pressure from the international community. “If Russia agrees to a ceasefire, it means their situation is worse than it seems,” he said. “In that case, it’s a clear signal that the pause should be short, and Russia must be pressured even harder on the front line.”
**A History of Broken Ceasefires**
For some soldiers, the memory of past ceasefires is still fresh. ‘VeTer’, a former company commander who fought in Donbas during previous ceasefires with Russia, said, “We’ve been through this before. An agreement with the Russians is not worth the paper it is written on.” He warned that if a ceasefire comes into force, Russia will use the time to replenish its forces and resources.
**Ukrainian Soldiers Want Action, Not Words**
‘Hvylia’, a 26-year-old military service woman, thinks that Ukraine should use this opportunity to show the world that it is committed to peace. “We can do a lot in a month,” she said. “Invite international representatives to Ukraine, show our capital, different cities, and front-line areas without danger to their lives.”
**A Reality Check**
Myroslav Hai, an officer in the Ukrainian army, is more pessimistic. “We’ve seen so many ceasefires over the last 10 years,” he said. “And every time, Russia broke them.” He doesn’t think this time will be different.
Yevhen, a sapper with the 25th Airborne Brigade, shares similar views. “I don’t think Russia will follow through (with a ceasefire),” he said. “They never keep their word.”
**Conclusion**
The ball is indeed in Russia’s court now. But based on what Ukrainian soldiers have told us, it seems that they are not holding their breath for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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