Ukrainian Soldiers' Defiant Response to US Peace Plan

Mon Nov 24 2025 16:40:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Frontline soldiers express mixed reactions of anger, resignation, and defiance to the draft US peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a recent social media engagement, Ukrainian soldiers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the draft US peace plan, highlighting deep concerns over territorial concessions and the future of the armed forces. Despite the bleak outlook, some troops acknowledge the necessity of reaching a resolution. The plan has sparked various opinions among soldiers, with many feeling disillusioned by current government leadership and the lack of effective security guarantees.

Ukrainian Soldiers' Defiant Response to US Peace Plan

Ukraine's frontline soldiers have reacted to draft US peace proposals with a mixture of defiance, anger, and resignation. The BBC spoke to half a dozen who sent us their views via social media and email in response to the original US plan – details of which were leaked last week.

Since then, American and Ukrainian negotiators have been working on changes to the proposals and are set to continue talks about the peace framework. Of the original US plan, Yaroslav, in eastern Ukraine, says it sucks… no one will support it while an army medic with the call sign Shtutser dismissed it as an absolutely disgraceful draft of a peace plan, unworthy of our attention. But one soldier with the call sign Snake told us it's time to agree at least on something.

Giving up territory

The US put forward a draft peace proposal at a time when Russia is making significant advances on the battlefield. Over the past month alone Ukraine has lost a further 450 sq km to Russia. Kyiv still controls around 15% of the Donbas region, the eastern part of Ukraine encompassing the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts which is a key war goal for Russia. But the original US plan proposes that Ukraine give up the entire region - even parts it has successfully defended for nearly four years of full-scale war.

Let them take it, Snake told the BBC. There's practically no one left in the cities and villages… We're not fighting for the people but for the land, while losing more people. Andrii, an officer in Ukraine's general staff, suggests that what is being proposed for Luhansk and Donetsk is painful and difficult but it might be the only option available.

Cutting the size of Ukraine's armed forces

The US draft peace plan envisions limiting the size of Ukraine's armed forces to 600,000, which is still significantly larger than prior to the full-scale invasion. Currently, estimates suggest Ukraine's military strength exceeds 800,000. Snake believes many in uniform will be needed post-war to help rebuild Ukraine. What's the point of having so many people in the army if there will be security guarantees? he asks.

However, not everyone agrees with this proposed reduction, as Army medic Shtutser argues that Ukraine's military is the only barrier between them and defeat. Matros calls the proposal to reduce troop numbers absurd and manipulative.

Security guarantees

Ukraine’s willingness to agree to the proposals will depend heavily on future security guarantees. The US plan rules out Ukraine's membership in NATO but offers security assurances if Russia attacks again. Yet, many military personnel express skepticism about these guarantees, fearing they may not be reliable under the current US administration.

Yevhen, a drone operator, believes the presence of foreign troops could serve as an important reassurance for Ukraine. I like the UK's plan to put troops into Ukraine. This is the only plan that will help us win, to introduce allied troops, he said.

Fresh elections

The US draft also proposes fresh elections in Ukraine 100 days after the end of the war. This is significant given ongoing corruption investigations affecting the current government. Soldiers voiced support for elections, with many calling for a political reset emphasizing integrity and trust.

Overall, while there are nuances and varying opinions about the US proposals among troops, the prevailing sentiment is one of fatigue and the desire for an end to conflict. As Andrii puts it, If it stops the war, then it works for me.