Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ambitious plans for a summit in Switzerland this weekend, but expectations for any significant progress on the front line and in war-weary Kyiv are low.
The gathering of around 90 countries and global institutions comes at a critical time for exhausted Ukrainians and outnumbered soldiers, after more than two years of conflict.
Sergiy, a deputy commander of a tank brigade stationed in the eastern Donetsk region where the fighting is most intense, expressed skepticism that the meeting would lead to a resolution. “Politics is politics,” the 36-year-old told AFP, doubting that the summit would improve the situation in Donetsk. “Good weapons will make a difference, that’s for sure.”
Danylo, a 23-year-old drone operator, also believes that the event will not bring about significant changes. “It’s likely more of a symbolic occasion,” he said.
The Ukrainian forces, lacking resources, have been losing territory to determined Russian attacks, leading to mandatory civilian evacuations in some areas.
– No ‘high hopes’ –
The army’s mobilization efforts have caused fear among the population, and Russian strikes have disrupted electricity supplies, leaving many Ukrainians without power for extended periods.
In Kyiv, Victoria, a 36-year-old energy industry worker, expressed exhaustion with the ongoing conflict and tempered expectations for the summit. “I’m a realist, so I don’t have high hopes,” she said.
Zelensky has highlighted the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war as a key topic for the summit. Lidia Rybas, a 40-year-old with a brother held as a prisoner of war by the Russians, has high expectations for the talks. “I am more concerned about this issue,” she said.
Oleksandr, a 22-year-old information security specialist, believes the war will ultimately end through military action. He acknowledged that the meeting might provide a moment of hope, but stressed that the conflict’s resolution would be decided on the battlefield.
– ‘Come home alive’ –
For Ukraine, whose forces have been losing ground, the prospect of a brutal military end to the war in Donetsk and Kharkiv is concerning. Zelensky has been calling for increased arms supplies from allies to counter Russia’s advances and reclaim Ukrainian territory.
In Donetsk, Maksym, a 38-year-old tank company commander, shared the caution of other servicemen regarding the summit. “I’d like to hope for changes in the future, but history has shown otherwise,” he said.
Some servicemen mentioned that they would not have the time to follow the summit. “We are too busy to watch the news or even call our families,” said Oleksandr, part of the tank brigade.
On the front lines, Ukrainian servicemen are focused on survival and returning home safely. “All the guys want to come home alive,” a 53-year-old soldier told AFP.
led-afptv-jbr/brw/db/ach
