Ukrainian soldiers in the Donetsk region are benefiting significantly from renewed US support. First Sgt. Dmytro Pryimak, a tank commander, highlighted how this aid is essential for maintaining and upgrading their Abrams tanks, allowing Ukraine to acquire new equipment and protect its territory effectively. He further stressed that the ongoing US assistance is vital for holding ground against Russia, which has been attempting an invasion of Ukraine since 24 February 2022.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russia’s conditions for peace talks, which he interprets as demands for Ukraine to surrender its territory. Instead, Ukraine has been strengthened by a new 10-year security agreement with the US, additional military aid, and support from recent G7 and peace summits. Despite these measures, achieving peace remains challenging, especially with Russia absent from the Swiss summit and nations like India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Brazil not upholding the final joint statement.
US Vice President Kamala Harris led the American delegation at the summit, emphasizing America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. Nearly 80 countries signed a joint statement at the summit, calling for Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be the foundation of any peace deal. However, challenges remain as Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine’s east and north. Developing nations from the “global south” are less inclined to take a firm stand against Russia.
Ukrainian soldiers, like drone unit commander Georgiy Volkov, stressed the importance of continuing the fight. Volkov said stopping now would lead to their destruction, asserting that true peace requires Russia to withdraw from all occupied territories and compensate Ukraine for rebuilding. The ongoing conflict has put Ukrainian forces under significant pressure in the eastern regions as they resist Russian advances.
The peace summit revealed both unity and disagreement among Ukraine’s allies. The goal was to lay the groundwork for future peace talks, but Russia’s absence and the lack of agreement among some developing countries highlighted the difficulties in finding a lasting solution. South African officials noted that extreme demands from both sides might be negotiable but warned that war would only lead to future conflicts.
