In brief
Ukrainian civilians struggle with the devastating reality of the prolonged conflict as international diplomatic efforts falter.
As the conflict in Ukraine rages on, former President Donald Trump appears to be retreating from earlier claims that he could swiftly resolve the war. A recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin has left many Ukrainians feeling abandoned, and the prospect of peace seems dim. Residents like Olena Boiko from Sumy, a city subjected to constant bombardment, express deep disappointment over what they describe as a "theatrical performance" by Trump regarding peace talks. For individuals like Boiko, the war has inflicted irreparable damage, having lost not only loved ones but also their homes. Despite Trump’s initial intentions, the reality on the ground reveals a stark absence of effective pressure on Moscow, leaving most Ukrainians resigned to a continued fight. The ongoing shelling in areas like Kupiansk underscores the desperate conditions faced by civilians, as their hopes for a diplomatic resolution fade.
