Defiance and Resignation: Ukrainian Soldiers Respond to U.S. Peace Plan

Wed Nov 26 2025 04:43:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian soldiers express a mix of frustration, resignation, and anger toward a U.S. draft peace proposal. Concerns center on territorial concessions, military size limitations, and security guarantees.

In response to a leaked U.S. draft peace proposal, Ukrainian soldiers conveyed their discontent and concerns over potential territorial concessions and military limitations. Some soldiers express a desire to end the conflict, while others remain defiant, emphasizing the sacrifices made during the ongoing war. The conversation reveals deep divisions over what constitutes an acceptable peace framework amidst ongoing battles.

Ukrainian frontline soldiers have reacted to draft US peace proposals with a mixture of defiance, anger and resignation. The BBC spoke to half a dozen who sent us their views via social media and email in response to the original US plan – details of which were leaked last week. Since then, American and Ukrainian negotiators have been working on changes to the proposals and are set to continue talks about the peace framework. Of the original US plan, Yaroslav, in eastern Ukraine, says it sucks… no one will support it while an army medic with the call sign Shtutser dismissed it as an absolutely disgraceful draft of a peace plan, unworthy of our attention. But one soldier with the call sign Snake told us it's time to agree at least on something.

The US put forward a draft peace proposal at a time when Russia is making significant advances on the battlefield. Over the past month alone Ukraine has lost a further 450 sq km to Russia. Kyiv still controls around 15% of the Donbas region, but the original US plan proposes that Ukraine give up the entire region, even parts it has successfully defended for nearly four years of full-scale war. Let them take it, Snake told the BBC. 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, says the proposal for the Donbas is painful and difficult but suggests Ukraine may have no other choice.

The US draft peace plan also envisages limiting Ukraine's armed forces to 600,000, significantly smaller than the current size. Snake believes many currently in uniform will be needed for post-war rebuilding. However, Army medic Shtutser argues this is a crucial time for Ukraine's military strength as it represents their defense against defeat and potential subjugation. Discussions about the need for security guarantees and potential Ukrainian elections also surfaced. Many soldiers expressed skepticism regarding the reliability of US commitments under current government dynamics.

Amid complex feelings about the draft proposals, the one clear message from soldiers on the front lines is tiredness and a longing for peace. They express a wiliness to accept compromises, hoping that any agreement could ultimately halt the ongoing conflict.