Before complete destruction, before heavy Russian glide bombs weighing many tons raze entire streets to the ground, trade flourishes in the villages of Donbas. At the market in Oleksandrivka, a town in eastern Ukraine in the Donetsk Oblast, meat skewers and sausages are grilled for lunch. An elderly woman sells handmade socks in the icy cold. Next to it, a seller offers military boots and combat equipment straight from the truck. Many Ukrainian soldiers can be seen in the area pushing through the snow to take up positions.
Oleksandrivka is located about 30 km from the front line. However, as in many other Ukrainian regions, the Russian army is slowly closing in. The settlement belongs to these almost 20 percent. Donetsk Oblast – approximately 5,000 square kilometers – which is still controlled by Ukrainian troops.
One option would be to create a demilitarized or neutral zone. Ukraine would submit any territorial concessions to the vote of its residents in a referendum. According to a current survey reported by the New York Times, So far, there is growing restrained consent among Ukrainians for possible territorial concessions. However, this requires credible security guarantees from the West.
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How this uncertainty affects people can be observed in Oleksandrivka, where reporters from the Welt website and WELT TV station report. Only a few people want to express themselves in front of the camera. There are too many fears that they will be punished for their honest words – now or if the town is taken over by the Russian army.
— For example, if I say that these areas should be given up – and these are Ukrainian areas – they will call me a traitor. says Tania. The elderly woman has been living in Oleksandrivka since 1975. She gave birth to her children here, this is her home. – Let them negotiate as they want. I just want peace, that's all, he adds.
Tania, who did not want to give her surname, talks about constant Russian drone attacks, both day and night. A few months ago, her friend, with whom she previously ran a stall at the market, died in her own home – it was hit by a three-and-a-half-meter-long Shahed drone, and the building burst into flames. “It's terrible,” Tania says. Almost all her friends have left, but she wants to stay.
She heard about talks about a possible peace agreement. However, for her it all looks like a game. He considers the idea of creating a neutral zone absurd. It must be clear which state is responsible. “So many people have already died here, so many lives have been destroyed, so many homes have been destroyed,” he says.
Fallen Ukrainian soldiers commemorated in Oleksandrivka, Donetsk Oblast, UkraineSource: Welt / Ibrahim Naber
In the park in Oleksandrivka, next to the church with a golden dome, plaques commemorate Ukrainians from this town who died at the front. “Oleksander Sukov – born November 24, 1997, killed on July 2, 2024.” “Igor Ilyushin – born October 7, 1991, died August 12, 2024.”
The row in the photos is placed along the avenue. There's not a single child in sight on the playground next door all afternoon. Most families who could escaped.
Nadia Evgenivna is one of those who stayed – also because she has no means of living in a safe place. She says that her son was looking for an apartment for her in the interior of the country. However, the monthly rent of approximately EUR 280 (PLN 1,180) was too high for her. Since 1984, Yevgenivna has lived in Oleksandrivka and still works at the social welfare office.
Nadia: what would we be?
Would it accept a possible transfer of territory to Russia? — For peace… yes. But we don't know what status we would have then. What would we be? — he worries. It would need to be clear who handles medical care and social services on the ground — Russian or Ukrainian authorities.
Nadia Yevgenivna has lived in Oleksandrivka for over 30 yearsSource: Welt / Ibrahim Naber
At the same time, she would prefer to live in the demilitarized zone than under the potential control of “the latter”. He doesn't specify who he means. – If it were up to people, this war would have ended long ago – he adds.
According to estimates by European intelligence services, the Russian army will need at least 12 to 18 months, and perhaps even much longer, to completely capture the Donetsk Oblast. The remaining areas controlled by Ukraine are considered the fortress zone of the entire country.
The army has been building defensive fortifications around the urban centers of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk for years. Ukrainian troops have recently failed to completely stop the Russian advance, but they continue to significantly slow it down.
Oleksiy: too many people have already died – soldiers and civilians
Troops of the Black Arrow battalion of the 5th mechanized brigade are stationed in the basement on the border of the Dnipro and Donetsk oblasts. Many soldiers have been fighting in Donbas for years, led by their commander Andriy, known under the nickname “Chichin”.
He says he is trying to largely ignore negotiations for a possible peace deal because otherwise he would lose sight of what's most important. For his men, the front is not a matter of negotiation, but an increasingly large death zone where cheap kamikaze drones attack everything that moves.
Would Chichin's soldiers support giving up Donbas in exchange for a peace agreement? — If it would really help end the war and save Ukraine, then we should do it, Oleksiy says. Next to him, rifles and a saber hang on the wall, and on the door there is a calendar with frivolously dressed women.
Oleksiy seems undecided. — Honestly, I'm not sure that giving up the territory would really be a good decision. Too many people have already died – soldiers and civilians.
Ukrainian soldier Vlad (L) and Welta reporter Ibrahim NaberSource: Welt / Ibrahim Naber
His 22-year-old colleague Vlad strongly rejects voluntary withdrawal from the Donetsk region. Giving up on Donbas now, he says, would be shortsighted. — So that in 10 years they can unite again and take over Transcarpathia (a region on the western edge of Ukraine) in one move? This is stupidity. This cannot be allowed to happen, he argues. He admits that resignation could save many people's lives in the short term and give them a moment of respite. — But in the end, it would only lead to an even greater disaster.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
