Janice R. Andrews
In the hallowed halls of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv, Anastasiia Fedchenko’s cries pierce the somber air. The 36-year-old journalist sits in silent anguish, her hands resting on her pregnant belly, as her husband, Marine Commander Andriy Kusmenko, lies motionless in an open coffin. Killed in action on January 4th in eastern Ukraine, Andriy, forever 33, fought valiantly for his country. His funeral reflects the harsh reality of a nation enduring an unrelenting war.
Outside the cathedral, Anastasiia pays tribute to her fallen husband. “I am sorry my daughter will never know her father,” she says through tears, “but she will know he was a soldier who gave his all for Ukraine—for her and future generations.”
Her parting words carry a grim message: “This war will last as long as Russia does. I fear our children will inherit it.”
Trump’s Peace Proposal Stirs Debate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, poised to return to the White House next week, has reignited discussions of peace. Trump, who claims he could end the conflict “in a day,” is pushing for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. But for fighters like Sgt. Dmytro, who served alongside Andriy, the notion dishonors the sacrifices of the fallen.
“Politicians can decide what they want, but those who died wouldn’t want us to negotiate with Russia,” he says. “We fight for every Ukrainian who has perished.”
While many share Dmytro’s resolve, public sentiment is gradually shifting. As the war enters its third winter, the word “victory,” once a national rallying cry, now feels distant. The relentless toll of death and destruction has led some to favor peace talks over prolonged conflict.
Ukraine in 2025: A Nation in Turmoil
Russia now controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, turning Ukraine into a country marked by empty cities, crowded cemeteries, and growing dissent among its soldiers. In Dnipro, 24-year-old soldier Serhiy Hnezdilov is on trial for desertion—a case emblematic of the nearly 100,000 similar charges brought against Ukrainian troops since 2022.
Hnezdilov, who has served for five years, speaks out against the lack of clear demobilization plans. “We have no choice but to fight,” he says. “But soldiers are not slaves. Those on the front lines for years deserve the right to rest.”
His frustration extends to corruption and mismanagement within military ranks. Facing up to 12 years in prison, he issues a plea as he’s escorted from the courtroom: “Help Ukraine.”
Life on the Front Lines: Relentless and Exhausting
In eastern Ukraine, commanders like Mykhailo, a 42-year-old drone operator, continue the fight despite mounting fatigue. Leading a unit near Pokrovsk, a critical transportation hub, Mykhailo battles Russian forces while countering the threat of enemy drones. “I thought this would end quickly,” he admits. “Honestly, I’m exhausted.”
With rare breaks—just 40 days off in three years—Mykhailo draws strength from video calls with his family. His unit works tirelessly under constant threat, assembling drones and launching attacks. Even amid the chaos, he is skeptical about a peace deal. “Putin is completely unstable,” he says. “I hope someone rational takes over.”
David, a 24-year-old soldier tasked with handling explosives, shares similar doubts. “No one knows when this war will end—not even the politicians,” he says. His wish for peace is tempered by a grim acknowledgment: if the guns fall silent, it will likely be only a temporary pause.
Trump’s Return: A New Push for Diplomacy
As Trump prepares to reenter the global stage, pressure is mounting for a diplomatic resolution. However, any potential peace agreement will likely favor Russia, given its current territorial gains. Ukrainian forces continue to resist, but the situation grows increasingly dire.
Back at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Anastasiia and others like her face an uncertain future. For them, the war isn’t just a geopolitical struggle; it’s a deeply personal battle for survival and legacy.
As the conflict drags on, one sobering truth becomes evident: if peace comes, it may not align with Ukraine’s hopes or sacrifices.
