Ukraine is facing significant challenges in its ground operations. Many soldiers are fatigued and worn down after three years of continuous combat. The pressing inquiry remains: is the nation capable of withstanding yet another year of conflict?
Their forces continue to demonstrate resistance against Russian advances in the east. However, they find themselves nearly encircled in the vicinity of Kurakhove, which has witnessed some fiercest clashes in recent weeks.
The Black Pack, a mortar unit, is actively working to thwart their encirclement near Kurakhove. Russian forces are advancing from three directions.
The team gathers at a safe house, taking a moment to recuperate from the ongoing conflict. These individuals stand apart from conventional military personnel. The group comprises a vegan chef, a mechanic, a web developer, and an artist—a collective of individuals holding unconventional perspectives. A segment of the population identifies as anarchists. All of them stepped forward to enlist in the fight.
Surt, a 31-year-old commander, enlisted in the army shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion. At the outset, he expressed his belief that the conflict would last three years. He states that he is mentally gearing up for another decade of struggle.
It is widely acknowledged that Donald Trump aims to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart have both signalled a willingness to engage in discussions; however, the prospect of reaching a viable agreement appears increasingly elusive.
At this stage, discussions remain primarily theoretical.
Surt acknowledges Trump’s objective without outright dismissal.
“He is a remarkably ambitious individual, and I believe he will make an effort to achieve it,” he states. However, he expresses concern regarding the potential results of any negotiations.
“Acknowledging the harsh reality, many recognize that justice for Ukraine may remain elusive. The devastation wrought by rockets and shells has left homes in ruins, and the loss of loved ones weighs heavily on the hearts of those affected, presenting a complicated truth to accept.”
When questioned about his preference between negotiation and continued conflict, Surt responds with conviction: “Keep fighting.”
The majority of the unit shares this perspective. Serhiy, a vegan chef, expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of negotiations, suggesting they would only temporarily halt the war. He predicts the conflict will likely resurface within a year or two.
He acknowledges that the present circumstances are “not good” for Ukraine. However, he is also prepared to continue the struggle. He remarks that being killed “is just an occupational hazard.”
Artist Davyd expresses concern over Trump’s unpredictability. “His impact on Ukraine could swing in either a positive or negative direction,” he states.
The unit allocates one week to active duty on the front lines, followed by rest in the subsequent week. Even during rest periods, they maintain their training regimen, citing that it is a source of motivation.
In a frigid field, troops conduct drills for firing their mortars. Denys recently joined the team after deciding to leave the comfort of his home in Germany.
“I found myself pondering the possibility: could I envision a world in which Ukraine is absent?” he states. He concedes that it seems to be losing, yet he emphasizes, “If you don’t try, then you will most certainly lose.” “I would rather face the struggle head-on than accept defeat without a fight.”
In a departure from the prevailing sentiment, Denys expresses his belief that Ukraine should at least entertain the idea of a ceasefire. He believes that the number of casualties in Ukraine exceeds the official figures, estimating over 400,000 killed and injured. He contends that increasing the involvement of the population would not address the issue at hand.
“Many motivated soldiers appear to be either lost or extremely exhausted,” he states. “It’s not that we desire a ceasefire, but continuing like this for many more years is not feasible.”
Dnipro, the third largest city in Ukraine, embodies a palpable sense of war fatigue. The region faces frequent assaults from Russian missiles and drones. Intermittent wails of air-raid sirens echo through the day and night. Amid the turmoil, Ukrainians seek to reclaim a semblance of normalcy, turning to the theatre as a refuge during these unprecedented times.
During an afternoon performance of the comedic play The Kaidash Family, the audience observes a moment of silence to honour those lost in the war, which is subsequently marked by the playing of Ukraine’s national anthem.
However, certain audience members acknowledge their desire for a more enduring release. Ludmyla expresses concern, stating, “Unfortunately, there are fewer of us.” Assistance is being provided, yet it falls short of what is needed, prompting the necessity for negotiations.
According to Kseniia, “There’s no easy answer.” A significant number of our soldiers have lost their lives. The struggle was rooted in a fight for our territories. However, I desire an end to the conflict.
Recent opinion polls indicate a growing backing for negotiations among the public.
Among the most compelling appeals for a ceasefire are those voiced by individuals compelled to escape the violence. In a shelter near the theatre, housed in what was once student accommodation, four older women reflect on their departed homes.
Eighty-seven-year-old Valentyna recounts their arrival with nothing yet highlights the support received in shoes, clothing, and food. According to her, they have received good treatment. “While being a guest has merits, there is an undeniable comfort in the familiarity of home.”
She now resides in an area under Russian occupation. All four women are advocating for peace negotiations. Mariia, 89, expresses uncertainty about how either side will manage to “look into the eyes of each other after the sheer hell they’ve committed.”
She stated, “It is already evident that no one will achieve a military victory, which is why negotiations are essential.”
In the ongoing negotiations, these women may face the most significant sacrifices, particularly as Ukraine contemplates the possibility of ceding land to pursue peace.
