Ukrainian Resilience Tested as Peace Talks Yield Skepticism

The atmosphere in Ukraine has shifted to one of deep skepticism as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy engages in discussions with Donald Trump and European leaders regarding potential peace initiatives. The president’s visit to the Oval Office has not alleviated concerns among many Ukrainians, who remain doubtful about the outcomes of these talks.

Dr. Bozhena Andrushchyshyn, a psychiatrist at the First Medical Union hospital in Lviv, expressed her lack of optimism. “I have no expectations from these meetings,” she remarked. At just 28 years old, Dr. Andrushchyshyn, often referred to as Dr. Andru, has observed a troubling rise in mental health issues among both civilians and soldiers. She currently cares for approximately 150 civilians and about 75 soldiers, many of whom are grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Dr. Andrushchyshyn has temporarily set aside a research project with Yale University on the physiological effects of war trauma to prioritize her patients. “There’s been a big influx of soldiers because of recent prisoner exchanges,” she noted, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support in her community.

Among those she treats is Captain Yulian Pylypei, a 30-year-old soldier who endured nearly two years of captivity after being captured during the siege of Mariupol in April 2022. Released in September 2024, he now grapples with the psychological scars of his experience. “Of course, we need support from Europe and the US,” Pylypei stated. “But Ukraine must defend itself with or without the US.”

During his captivity, Pylypei faced relentless psychological torment, including attempts to force him to confess to being a CIA agent. “If I had to choose between being captured again and dying, I would choose death in one second,” he asserted, reflecting on the intense pressure he faced in prison. Despite his traumatic past, he finds solace in thoughts of his wife, Khrystyna, and the hope of a peaceful future for Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict remains dire. In just 24 hours from Sunday to Monday, Russian forces launched 140 drones and fired four missiles at Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, including an infant and a teenager. Pylypei’s experiences underscore the urgent need for security assurances from international partners, particularly in light of past failures such as the Budapest Memorandum in 1994, which promised protection but ultimately did not prevent Russia’s aggression.

The skepticism surrounding peace talks is palpable. Zelenskiy is advocating for a pause in Russian attacks during negotiations, yet many Ukrainians, including Pylypei, feel the proposals on the table do not offer sufficient guarantees for long-term safety. “We must be very careful,” Pylypei warned, echoing the sentiments of many who have witnessed the devastating effects of war firsthand.

Dr. Andrushchyshyn is also deeply concerned for her fiancé, a soldier stationed in Kramatorsk, a city that has become central to ongoing negotiations. “It’s hard for me to be here and wait,” she shared, reflecting the emotional toll the conflict has taken on those at home. Increased rates of attempted suicides among civilians and imprisoned soldiers highlight the pervasive impact of the war on mental health.

Both Dr. Andrushchyshyn and Pylypei acknowledge the profound suffering caused by the conflict but maintain a sense of hope for the future. “I am 100 percent optimistic for the future,” Pylypei declared. “Everything will be okay. We must defend the country and stay strong and rebuild it for our children and our children’s children.”

Their resilience, in the face of overwhelming adversity, exemplifies the spirit of a nation still yearning for peace. As discussions continue in the international arena, Ukrainians remain committed to their fight for sovereignty and security, determined to emerge from the shadows of war with strength and resolve.