Newly recruited soldiers in Ukraine’s Donetsk region are undergoing intense training to prepare for frontline deployment against Russian forces. The soldiers, a mix of new recruits and transferred troops, are part of the 24th Mechanised Brigade named after King Danylo. Their training, which lasts 45 days, covers all aspects of tactical action needed in combat. As the conflict in the region nears its third anniversary, there is uncertainty for Kyiv, especially as US President Donald Trump takes office. Trump has expressed hope for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, which could potentially end the conflict. However, his earlier promises to end the war on his first day in office have been revised to a more realistic timeline.
Trump’s nominee for Special Envoy to Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is optimistic that a deal could be brokered within 100 days of Trump’s presidency. Ukrainian servicemen, like Kurt, believe that Trump has the power to stop the war and that the only help he can provide should be through weapons. There has been speculation that Kyiv may increase its pool of troops by lowering the age of conscription, but instructors at the training ground believe there is no shortage of men willing to join the fight. They argue against lowering the conscription age, stating that 18-year-olds may not have the necessary life or combat experience for such a demanding role.
Trump’s criticism of his predecessor, Joe Biden, for his support of Ukraine financially and militarily has raised concerns in Ukraine about the future of US assistance. Despite his earlier promises to end support for Kyiv, Trump has since softened his stance after meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The world is waiting to see how Trump’s presidency will impact Ukraine over the next four years. Trump has pointed to Russia’s economic troubles, including soaring inflation, as reasons why Putin should consider making a peace deal. The possibility of a deal could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in the region and the future of Ukraine.
The soldiers undergoing training in Donetsk are committed to their mission, with many believing that Trump has the ability to help end the war. However, there are doubts about the effectiveness of lowering the conscription age and the potential consequences of sending inexperienced, younger troops into combat. Trump’s changing stance on Ukraine, from promising to end support to engaging in talks with Zelenskyy, has left many uncertain about the future of US-Ukraine relations. As the conflict in the Donetsk region continues to unfold, the role of the US and other international actors in bringing about a resolution remains uncertain. Ultimately, the fate of Ukraine and its people in the midst of this conflict is intertwined with the decisions made by world leaders like Trump and Putin.
