Russians' war in Ukraine is met with a desire for its cessation among Ukrainians, but caution prevails with the Trump-Putin gathering looming
In the lead-up to the summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukrainians express wariness and concern over potential concessions that may be demanded.
The war in Ukraine, which began 11 years ago with Russia's initial invasion in 2014, continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of many Ukrainians. Kateryna Tarykina, a resident of Kyiv, is particularly concerned about the impact on her 10-year-old son.
"I live one day at a time," Tarykina said. "It's too difficult to think about a war that could continue for years."
Roman Havrysh, who works with Anima, a company that does online wellness screening, shares Tarykina's sentiments. Ukrainians, he says, are exhausted and want the war to end. However, Havrysh notes that the war has been so consuming that they have not thought through how it should end or what the country might look like afterwards.
A poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology shows that 76% of Ukrainians are not willing to give up the territory Russia currently holds. Yet, there is a growing sentiment among Ukrainians for negotiation and compromise. A Gallup poll indicates that approximately 70% of Ukrainians favor a negotiated end to the war.
Stanyslav Kravtsov, a 31-year-old technology worker in Ukraine, is willing to give up territory if it means ending the war, but with the condition of permanent security guarantees. Kravtsov believes that giving up territories now will cost less in terms of lives.
Tarykina shares Kravtsov's pragmatism but fears Putin's intentions. "I worry that Putin wants all of Ukraine and could return in the future to take what he cannot get now," she said.
As the summit approaches, the question remains whether the international community can find a way to bring an end to the conflict and provide the security guarantees that Ukraine so desperately seeks. NPR's Greg Myre is reporting from Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and will continue to provide updates on the situation.
The transcript provided is a rush transcript and may be updated or revised in the future.
[1] Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. (2023). Public Opinion Poll on the War in Ukraine. [2] Gallup. (2023). Ukrainian Public Opinion on the War with Russia. [3] Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. (2023). Public Opinion on Territorial Concessions in Ukraine. [4] Council on Foreign Relations. (2023). Negotiating an End to the War in Ukraine.
- Technology worker Stanyslav Kravtsov suggests an end to the war in Ukraine with the condition of permanent security guarantees, highlighting the possible cost in lives if territorial concessions are made.
- Amidst concerns over possible concessions during the summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, a Gallup poll indicates that approximately 70% of Ukrainians favor a negotiated end to the war, hinting at a growing sentiment for negotiation and compromise within the country.
