This week’s peace discussions between Russia and the U.S., intended to end three years of war in Ukraine, have left Ukrainian front-line troops unimpressed. Many believe the conflict will persist if Kyiv remains excluded from the negotiations.

Gripping his assault rifle, an infantryman known by the call sign "Rugbyist" recalled Ukraine’s fierce resistance during the initial weeks of Russia’s invasion in February 2022—before Western aid arrived. He suggested Ukraine could stand firm again if necessary. Regardless, he never had high expectations for U.S. President Donald Trump to support Ukraine. "You can’t be betrayed by someone you never expected anything from," he remarked.

Another soldier, "Pruzhynka," was similarly dismissive of the Russian-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia, asserting his commitment to continue the fight when he returns to the front lines. "Maybe they made some decisions over there—but that’s just their opinion," the 21-year-old, whose call sign means "spring," told Reuters at a training facility in southeastern Ukraine. "Ukrainians won’t buy into that."

Trump’s pursuit of a rapid peace deal with Moscow, excluding Ukraine from the process, has raised concerns among Ukrainians and their allies. Yet, those on the front lines remain resolute, citing three years of sacrifices and the heavy toll of fallen comrades.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation and continues to seek robust security assurances from Kyiv’s partners before considering any resolution.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, described his discussions with Zelenskiy in Kyiv as "extensive and positive" but did not disclose further details. Meanwhile, the Kremlin hinted at a potential meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though specifics remain undecided.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces—outnumbered and outgunned—struggle to resist Russian advances along the expansive eastern front. Intense combat rages near the embattled logistics hub of Pokrovsk, where Ukraine’s 68th Jaeger Brigade is among those holding the line.

At a training site, soldiers voiced skepticism about the peace talks, seeing no immediate end to the war. "There are many patriots among us—we are the descendants of the Cossacks," said "Alladin," a troop trainer. "We will fight until the end."