Ukrainian soldiers doubt Russian sincerity as Zelenskyy visits Ireland
發佈日期: 2025-12-03 00:20
TVB News
As both Ukraine and Russia show optimism on U.S. President Donald Trump's fine-tuned peace proposals, the battle for territory on the front lines continues.
A soldier holds up a Russian flag in Pokrovsk, with Moscow's Defence Ministry saying its troops have captured the city in the Donetsk region.
The Kremlin on Monday released footage of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wearing army fatigues, being briefed on the special operation.
Chief of General Staff General Valery Gerasimov reported to Putin that Russian troops had taken full control of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.
Another commander, Colonel General Valery Solodchuk, said Russian forces were still battling "the remaining small enemy groups" in Pokrovsk.
Putin praised the troops involved in the special operation, saying they were "confidently maintaining the initiative".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disagrees, saying fighting is ongoing as he works with U.S. leaders to bring a peace deal with Russia that does not involve giving up territory.
For the first time, Ukrainian and Russian officials say U.S. President Donald Trump's 28-point plan can form the basis of a future peace agreement, which would also require security guarantees from Russia.
But these Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region say they doubt Moscow's sincerity.
Kelt, a serviceman for the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, said: "A peace plan won't work with Russia, they don't need peace right now, Russia only understands the language of force. This is how it should be with them, otherwise truce will lead to another war in the near future."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his team had productive talks with Ukraine officials in Florida over the weekend.
"I think the administration feels very optimistic," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "We've put points on paper, those points have been very much refined. But as for the details, I will let the negotiators negotiate. But we do feel quite good and we're hopeful that this war can finally come to an end."
Zelenskyy is in Dublin, Ireland ahead of a full day of meetings with Irish leaders. He visited the official residence of Irish President Catherine Connolly, and signed the guest book.
Zelenskyy also met Taoiseach Micheal Martin and inspected a guard of honour.
Around 100,000 Ukrainians fled to Ireland after Russia launched its invasion in February, 2022.
