Ukraine’s front-line soldiers hold little hope for Russia-US diplomacy

Russian and US diplomats are meeting in Geneva for talks on Ukraine and security issues, with Vladimir Putin seeking guarantees Nato will not expand eastward

But on the front lines where Kyiv’s army has been fighting a prolonged war with pro-Kremlin separatists for years, few expect the talks to succeed

Reading Time:2 minutes

A member of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces watches through spyglass in a trench on the front line with Russia-backed separatists near Avdiivka, southeastern Ukraine. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:45pm, 10 Jan 2022

On the front lines of eastern Ukraine where Kyiv’s army has been fighting a prolonged war with pro-Kremlin separatists, Ukrainian soldiers are doubtful that upcoming Russia-US talks will bring forward change.

Since 2014 – the year Russia annexed Crimea – Ukrainian soldiers have been battling rebels to take back control of two regions bordering Russia.

But recently fears have mounted that Moscow, which amassed tens of thousands of troops on its side of the border, may launch an attack.

Russian military vehicles take part in drills in Crimea last year. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP,

Clad in a bulletproof vest and army helmet, 29-year-old soldier Mykhailo walks through the trenches in the town of Avdiivka, just north of the separatist stronghold city of Donetsk.

“I doubt that anything will change,” Mykhailo said, explaining that previous negotiations had failed to end the war that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Russian and US diplomats are meeting in Geneva for talks on Ukraine and security issues, with President Vladimir Putin seeking guarantees that Nato will not expand eastward.