Jeremy Bowen, the international editor at BBC, describes how Kyiv no longer resembles a city at war like it did three years ago. Despite shops being open and commuters facing traffic jams on their way to work, the nightmare fear of national extinction has resurfaced since US President Donald Trump’s recent actions. Trump’s statements, filled with exaggerations, half-truths, and blatant lies, align with Russian President Putin’s views, leading to concerns about Ukraine’s future. Trump’s concessions to Russia, such as declaring that Ukraine will not join NATO and allowing them to keep seized land, have raised alarm bells. Putin’s unwavering demand for more Ukrainian land continues, with no Nato troops being permitted for security guarantees. The situation is dire, with Ukraine’s resilience being tested as they fight to maintain their independence. The recent history of conflict and the ongoing threat of attacks from Russian missiles and drones serve as a grim reminder of the challenging times faced by Ukraine. Jeremy Bowen witnessed the aftermath of war crimes on the roads leading to Kyiv, where bodies of civilians lay where they were killed, surrounded by charred tires in failed attempts to hide the evidence. Survivors shared stories of brutality by Russian occupiers, including a mother who buried her son after he was shot dead by Russian soldiers. Abandoned Russian encampments in the forests were littered with rubbish, a far cry from the behavior of professional armies.
Three years into the war, Kyiv remains on high alert as Russian missiles and drones threaten the city. The front line, stretching over 1,000 kilometers, is marked by destroyed villages and towns. In Donetsk and Luhansk, Russian forces advance slowly, facing heavy losses in men and machines.
Ukraine’s incursion into Russia last August has led to ongoing battles in Kursk. Troops fight for land that President Zelensky hopes to use as leverage. The conflict continues in the forests of northeastern Ukraine, with soldiers equipped with modern technology amidst a backdrop of traditional warfare tactics.
Soldiers like Evhen, a corporal on the front line, are focused on their immediate duties rather than geopolitics. They face challenges from North Korean soldiers sent to support Putin. Despite the absence of American aid, Ukrainian forces remain resilient and resourceful in their fight against Russian aggression.
The war has taken a toll on volunteers, with many either killed, injured, or too fatigued to continue fighting. Tensions exist between those who fight and those who avoid military service through bribery. Mykola, a company commander, praises the capabilities of their American-supplied vehicles and emphasizes the message their successes in Kursk send to Russia.
Mykola sees Putin’s objectives clearly: to seize control of Ukraine, change its government, and make it a vassal state. He warns against trusting Putin, citing his history of dishonesty and manipulation. Jeremy Bowen deceived everyone. Keamanan Eropa sedang dikepung oleh perang di Ukraina. Tidak heran pemimpin mereka sangat terguncang oleh semua yang mereka dengar dan lihat bulan ini.
Tantangan mereka adalah untuk menemukan cara agar para pemuda mereka tidak terpaksa masuk ke dunia perang yang tidak terduga yang telah melibatkan Maxsym Lutsyk, veteran tempur Ukraina berusia 22 tahun.
“Semua orang berubah, dan saya juga berubah. Saya pikir setiap orang Ukraina menjadi dewasa selama tiga tahun ini. Semua orang yang masuk militer dan semua orang yang berjuang begitu lama berubah secara drastis.”
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