As of today, it is harder than ever for the military in some areas than it has been for the entire period of the war. A month ago, for example, it was easier on the first line of defence.
A soldier of the 109th Brigade and former MP, Yehor Firsov, said this during the discussion “Ukraine’s red lines. How to maintain subjectivity in dialogue with the US and negotiations with Russia”, organised by the New Country project of lb.ua and EFI Group. In his opinion, there is no belief among the military that things will get easier for Ukraine in the near future.
He clarified that his brigade is currently holding the line in the Pokrovsk–Toretsk area.
Firsov likened the military’s perception of the prospects for peace to sitting in frontline cities and watching exotic island landscapes on TV.
“Very far away – probably unrealistic. You can see on your phone display that something is being negotiated and maybe it’s about to be negotiated. But nothing will change for you. For you, there were shelling and trenches, assaults, logistics are complicated. And this goes on virtually endlessly,” he explained.
Firsov believes that the enemy is prolonging the war by creating the illusion of readiness for peace.
“In my opinion, what is happening is a story – it is a bricklaying at the international level. They are trying to confuse us, negotiating for nine hours on something. We are trying to reach an agreement, but we are just being walled in. They just keep stalling for time and are looking for our weaknesses to grab more. Our enemy has a strategic goal to take Donbas. We see that they want to occupy the rest of Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and reach Kostyantynivka,” the defender commented.
He added that this is how the enemy drags out the negotiations and monotonously continues military operations. How long this tactic will last depends on the Russian economy and the further mobilisation of its citizens. He stressed that while some people from Russia are sitting in Saudi Arabia, others are gathering people in Russian cities to continue the war.
Firsov noted that the military is more eager for peace than anyone else.
“Of course, the military is waiting for a break. But the question is, do they believe? No, they don’t. In practice, everything is completely different. Every hour there is a war,” he explained.
The soldier is convinced that Russia will try to force Ukraine to agree to unfavourable terms. And now, no matter what they say about agreements and the possibility of holding elections this year, it is impossible. The country will continue to be at war throughout the year, he is convinced.