**Frozen Dreams in Ukraine**
Oleksandr Bezhan, a Ukrainian farmer, stands next to an empty paddock that used to be his fishing spot on the Dnipro river. “I have no plans for the future at all,” he says. “If I wake up in the morning, that’s already pretty good.” His words reflect the uncertainty and fear that grips Malokaterynivka, a village just 15km north of the front line in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region.
**A Long and Difficult War**
The war between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for years. In 2023, Ukraine launched a counter-offensive, but it failed to achieve its goals. The front line remains largely unchanged, with the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam downstream destroyed, creating a vast expanse of scrubland.
**No Clear End in Sight**
The White House wants to end the war, but it’s not that simple. US President Donald Trump has proposed halting the conflict, but Ukraine is skeptical. The country wants meaningful security guarantees to prevent future invasions. However, Washington’s vision focuses on Russia, and Ukraine fears it will lose control over its territory.
**A Glimmer of Hope**
Malokaterynivka residents long for peace, but they are worried that a ceasefire would not hold. They fear fighting could break out at any moment if the front line becomes a border. Ukrainian President Zelensky insists he won’t sign any agreement without Ukraine’s participation.
**Unanswered Questions**
The biggest challenge facing Ukraine is finding a new purpose and identity. The country wants to join Nato, but Trump has denied this possibility. Residents feel betrayed by their biggest ally and the international community. They are left with unanswered questions about how a ceasefire would hold and who would enforce it.
**A Community in Mourning**
The village of Malokaterynivka is still reeling from the loss of soldiers fighting on the front line. Villagers gather for funerals, but even these ceremonies cannot last more than 25 minutes due to the threat of artillery. The community’s hopes for peace and a better future remain uncertain.
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