‘What were so many deaths for?’ Ukrainians react to Trump-Putin peace plan ahead of Alaska summit
A woman visits a cemetery where Ukrainian soldiers are buried in Brovary, Ukraine, on April 11, 2023. (Roman Pilipey/Getty Images)
War
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Aug. 15 to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine — most likely without Ukraine’s participation.
Trump announced the meeting on Aug. 8, saying the talks could involve some “swapping” of territories.
Details of the proposal emerged later, after Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow last week. According to a source in the Ukrainian President’s Office, Putin suggested that Kyiv withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, while Russia would pull back from areas it controls in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any plan involving the ceding of Ukrainian land, saying the country’s Constitution makes such territorial concessions impossible.
On Aug. 11, the Kyiv Independent asked people on the streets of Kyiv what they think about the U.S. and Russia discussing Ukraine’s future without Ukraine, as well as the proposed territory swap.
Artem Nikitin
lawyer
“I don't think anything good about either (of the questions). But, unfortunately, we’re not in a position to influence this much. So I hope for the best. I believe. But, to be honest, my mind tells me that we can’t expect anything good from this.”
Vitalii
service member
“I disagree with giving up our territory. I've been fighting for it for three and a half years, not so this could happen. I also disagree (with discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine). How can they resolve the issue without us?”
Nataliia Prykhodko
wife of a fallen soldier
“I think it's all nonsense. How can they solve our fate without us? This is the first thing.
“Secondly, what were so many deaths for? I lost my husband, and I don't want this to end (like this).
“I know that (Putin) wants more, he won't stop. All these negotiations are just a farce, it's just about money.
“People need to get up, go out, and do something. Who cares — we are already being bombed. What's the point of sitting at home and discussing all this, going in circles?
“We need to change everything, starting with ourselves, so that our fate isn’t decided without us.”
Roman
IT worker
“It’s strange to discuss it without the participation of Ukrainian representatives because, in any case, the agreement will be between Ukraine and Russia — if it is concluded.
“But in general, I would be positive about an agreement because, in any case, I don’t see the prospect of Ukraine returning Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by military means.”
Antonina Pidlisna
administrator
“It seems to me that this is a necessary step because a lot of people have already died. And if it’s only these two territories, then, in principle, I support such a decision.
“But it would be great if a part of Ukraine remained ours. Because I think the Russians have even more plans [to go further], including in Zaporozhzhia Oblast, and further, and further.
“It sounds very scary. So I want this war to end as soon as possible.”
