'About our lives, but without our voice': Sidelined Ukrainians look on

August 15, 2025

As talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin in Alaska without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky present, Ukrainians are anxiously awaiting the outcome of negotiations that could involve "land swaps. " While Trump has reportedly assured European leaders that no territorial concessions would be made without Ukraine's approval, many Ukrainians remain deeply skeptical given Trump's unpredictability. Polls indicate about 54% of Ukrainians would accept some form of land compromise to end the war, but only with strong security guarantees, as there is widespread fear that freezing frontlines without such guarantees would merely allow Russia to regroup and attack again.

Who is affected

Ukrainian citizens, particularly those from eastern regions like Pokrovsk and Donetsk
Displaced Ukrainians unable to return to their hometowns
Ukrainian military personnel serving on the frontlines
Civilians living in contested territories
The 95% of Ukrainians who polls show distrust Putin
Elderly Ukrainians like 70-year-old Luibov Nazarenko who prioritize ending the conflict
Families of potential military conscripts

What action is being taken

Talks between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin are occurring in Alaska without Ukrainian representation
Ukrainian officials, including MP Oleksandr Merezhko, are expressing concerns about the closed-door meeting
The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology is regularly polling the Ukrainian population about their views on the war
Ukrainian religious leaders are conducting prayer services during this critical diplomatic moment
Ukrainians are celebrating the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary while awaiting news from the talks

Why it matters

The negotiations could potentially lead to Ukraine ceding up to 20% of its territory to Russia
Any "land swap" deals would affect Ukrainians' ability to return to their hometowns
The outcome could determine whether fighting continues or a ceasefire is established
Without proper security guarantees, a frozen conflict could enable Russia to regroup and launch future attacks
The talks represent a pivotal moment in determining Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty
The decisions affect hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives, both military and civilian
The diplomatic resolution will shape Ukraine's future security position

What's next

Trump has stated he intends to hold a second summit with Zelensky present before finalizing any agreements
The French President Emmanuel Macron indicated Trump agreed that no territorial concessions would be made without Ukraine's approval
Various ceasefire possibilities are being considered, from freezing current frontlines to Russia formally annexing four entire regions

Read full article from source: BBC