President Zelensky’s office dismissed as “fake” German reports that he was considering a regional ceasefire.
But Czech President Petr Pavel, a fervent supporter of Ukraine, said this week that parts of Ukraine would be occupied “temporarily”, possibly for years.
Olga Rudenko believes that for most Ukrainians, making even temporary concessions to Russia is still “too sensitive and unthinkable,” even if the talks are taking place behind closed doors within the government.
“Ukrainians are not greedy for territory,” she says.
“We cannot allow our people to be under Russian control and commit such atrocities,” he said, referring to the constant allegations of Russian war crimes.
Dmytro, 31, also suffered severe burns to his face and arms after being hit by a Russian drone.
“We will not give up our territory where so many people have been sacrificed,” he told the BBC in Kiev.
“If we had ended the war at this stage, what would we have fought for? What would all our men, our comrades, have died for?”
He believes a ceasefire would only give Russia time to recover, and Zelensky has also warned of a “frozen” conflict.
Dmitro is already planning to return to the front lines to fight alongside his comrades. “I will not retreat. I will be there until my last breath.”
