Ukrainian frontline troops skeptical of ceding land to Russia

Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline are skeptical about ceding land to Russia, warning that it would be a “terrible loss” and open up new directions for further Russian advances.

Denys Bryzhatyi, the commander of the 150th reconnaissance and strike battalion, says that handing over the rest of Donetsk province, a demand of Vladimir Putin, could be a long-term disaster for Ukraine.

The 150th battalion is currently fighting in the Donetsk region, trying to prevent Russian buildups and destroy its logistics before an expected autumn offensive.

The soldiers are using drones, including bomber drones, to attack Russian positions and gather intelligence.

According to Bryzhatyi, “The loss of Donetsk region, the area that is heavily fortified against Russia, will just open up new directions for further advances – Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, which are not well fortified. It would be a huge and terrible loss of positions.”

The soldiers are also concerned about the diplomatic discussions between Ukraine and Russia, with some viewing them as a distraction.

Puma, a soldier from Luhansk, says he finds the diplomatic discussions a distraction, while another colleague, Optimus, is more forthright, saying, “what’s the point of giving up Donetsk [region] to Russia? After all the sacrifices we have made, the people we have lost? If we were going to do that, we could have done it right at the beginning of the war.”

The Ukrainian military is adapting to the changing nature of warfare, with drones playing a key role in the conflict.

The 150th battalion is using German-made Vector drones to gather intelligence and bomber drones to attack Russian positions.

According to Kyrylo, the team leader, “warfare is changing dramatically; we need to be more vigilant and adapt even quicker.”

The situation on the frontline remains dire, with civilians and soldiers facing significant risks. The Ukrainian military is preparing for an expected Russian offensive, and the soldiers are determined to defend their territory.

As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what the consequences will be for Ukraine and its people.