As midnight approached on New Year's Eve, a Ukrainian officer, identified by the call sign Sam, monitored video feeds from multiple drones scanning for Russian forces, marking the beginning of 2026 as just another day in the ongoing conflict. For many soldiers in Sam's battalion, the Da Vinci Wolves, the new year did not bring renewed hope for peace, as they face advancing Russian forces and stalled peace negotiations. One soldier stated that their primary goal for the coming year was simply survival.
Sam acknowledged the difficulty of planning for the future, given the circumstances. This year marks Ukraine's fourth under Russia's full-scale invasion, and few soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine believe it will be the last.
The conflict, which began in 2022, has seen numerous shifts in strategy and international involvement. At the start of 2025, then-President-elect Donald J. Trump claimed he could end the war in 24 hours. By February of that year, President Trump reportedly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, signaling a potential shift in U.S. support.
The lack of progress in peace negotiations and the continued fighting have led to a sense of resignation among Ukrainian troops on the front lines. The focus remains on immediate survival rather than long-term planning, reflecting the harsh realities of a protracted war.
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