Unmanned aerial vehicles, utilized by both Ukraine and Russia, have transformed the nature of combat over nearly three years since the onset of full-scale war on February 24, 2022. However, another change looms on the horizon — Donald Trump is preparing to return to the White House as the President of the United States. He has promised to end the hostilities, although he did not specify how. Ukrainian soldiers have shared their thoughts on their expectations from Trump's presidency with Sky News.
All of them stated that they are categorically against any agreements that involve the transfer of territories to Russia.
"I hope that the outcome of this war will be just. For me, a just peace means the return of our territories. That is the only thing I understand; there is no other way," said 28-year-old battalion commander of "Corsair," Major Vladislav Tovstiy.
He also emphasized that if Trump attempts to reach a "compromise agreement" with the Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, then justice in the world will not be as he envisions it.
"Compromise is no longer about justice; it's about concessions. And that means that if you are stronger, you can take whatever you want," noted the major.
Technician "Kartman," who produces drones for the army, would tell Trump, if he had the chance: "You can't befriend a shark that is attacking you. You can't talk about common sense when the beast wants to kill you. What negotiation skills will you apply if you just need to fight for your survival?"
Company commander Oskar believes that on one hand, a "frozen conflict" and retaining part of the temporarily occupied territories by Russia would stop the deaths of Ukrainians. But on the other hand, it would give the enemy time to prepare for the next attack.
If the war is truly frozen, he does not understand what his comrades died for.
Other news related to the war in Ukraine
Earlier, UNIAN reported that in Ukraine there are fears of "peace at any cost" following Trump's arrival in power. "Both soldiers and civilians say that after so many losses, the new U.S. president should strive for a just settlement, not peace at any cost," writes The New York Times.
Additionally, one expert suggested what a year of truce with the Russian Federation might end with. According to him, Russia will significantly enhance its military potential during this time. He estimated that the aggressor country could accumulate up to 4,500 tanks (up from 3,200 in 2022), 9-10 thousand armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), and 5,000 artillery systems.