The Elusive Quest for Peace: Ukraine's Standoff Continues Amid Trump and Putin Talks**

As Donald Trump engages with Russia, Ukraine's soldiers are undeterred, emphasizing the need for trustworthy negotiations that include their leaders, as the war drags on.**

In the frigid landscape of northeastern Ukraine, the battlefield echoes with the sound of war, far removed from the high-stakes diplomatic meetings taking place in Saudi Arabia. U.S. President Donald Trump's recent overtures to Russia have sent ripples of unease through Ukraine and its European allies, threatening to fracture the already tenuous transatlantic alliance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visibly shaken by Trump's abrupt shift from the more supportive policies of the previous administration, prompting criticism from some quarters for not anticipating this change. In Turkey for discussions with his counterparts, Zelensky lamented the secrecy surrounding conversations aimed at ending the conflict—a situation he feels undermines Ukraine's sovereignty.

As Ukrainian soldiers prepare for a fresh offensive against Russian positions in Kursk, they remain largely unfazed by the diplomatic noise resonating hundreds of miles away. A commander, known only by his call sign "White," emphasized the importance of staying focused on the fight rather than the unfolding political discourse, which he views as merely distraction.

In workshops in small villages near Sumy, Ukrainian forces are unveiling their innovative military technology. Hundreds of affordable drones are readied for combat, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of those determined to repel Russian advances. One drone operator shared harrowing experiences of past battles, asserting, "None of us trust Putin—our fight continues regardless."

Amid the ongoing conflict, the civilian landscape bears heavy scars of war, evidenced by a damaged apartment block in Sumy, where recent strikes claimed lives and left families homeless. Local residents, grappling with the impact of these attacks, expressed a yearning for peace but cautioned that any negotiations must be genuine and inclusive of Ukraine's leadership.

Mykola, a local man, articulated the prevailing sentiment: "Peace is necessary. There's no point to war, but it can't come from empty talks between Trump and Putin." Yuliia, a nearby resident, echoed this, believing peace is only possible if the bombings cease—an ultimatum heavily linked to Russia's actions.

Retired Colonel Borys, whose family is actively engaged in the fight, underscored the need for Ukraine to stand firm. "We cannot surrender," he asserted, underscoring a sentiment held by many: until true justice and sovereignty are secured, the struggle must endure.

Trump's belief in negotiating a swift peace akin to sealing a business deal may prove naive in the face of deeply entrenched geopolitical realities. As the situation evolves, without Ukraine at the center of negotiations, the road to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. For now, Ukrainian resolve continues, while questions loom over the potential outcomes of Trump's talks with Putin.