Ukrainians in Tampa Bay say ending battle with Russia can be difficult

TAMPA, Fla. — As President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for a peace summit in Alaska, some Ukrainians in Tampa Bay stated they aren’t optimistic the talks will result in an finish to the prolonged battle.

The high-stakes assembly in Anchorage marked Putin’s first go to to the U.S. because the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

In accordance with ABC Information, the leaders met for greater than two hours and described the talks as “productive,” although no ceasefire or concrete deal was introduced.

WATCH: Regardless of ‘productive’ summit, Ukrainians in Tampa Bay say ending battle with Russia can be difficult

Regardless of ‘productive’ summit, Ukrainians in Tampa Bay say ending battle with Russia can be difficult

Each signaled extra negotiations would comply with. Trump stated he deliberate to seek the advice of with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies.

Roman Voloshyn, co-owner of Pierogi Bar in St. Petersburg, has lived within the U.S. for greater than 20 years, however his roots are in Ukraine, a nation nonetheless locked within the bloody battle with Russia.

“I’m type of confused why folks don’t perceive it’s a matter of survival. It’s not a territorial battle. It’s not the battle for the territories,” he stated. “It’s an existential battle.”

Although each leaders claimed progress was made, Voloshyn doubts an actual deal is on the horizon given the complicated nature of battle.

“It’s a political lure. This deal won’t ever occur,” he stated.

Anna Iermolaieva, a Ukrainian presently incomes a PhD at Moffitt Most cancers Heart in Tampa, additionally desires peace but additionally has her doubts. She stated a deal ought to solely be accepted underneath the appropriate circumstances.

“I don’t know a single individual in my household or my buddies, my social circles again house who doesn’t need peace,” she stated. “Everyone seems to be bored with the battle.”

Iermolaieva nonetheless has household in Ukraine, together with two brothers serving within the Military. She stated she has been personally touched by the battle’s devastation.

“My greatest good friend’s father died within the battle,” she stated.

For her, any settlement that permits Russia to maintain captured territory could be unacceptable.

“In the event that they transfer ahead with that, I feel it can solely train Russia, and never solely Russia, different dictatorships throughout the globe, which you could assault an impartial, internationally acknowledged nation,” she stated.

She additionally believes any deal ought to embody the discharge of hostages, together with kids, and a safety assure for Ukraine to protect it towards any future aggression.

For now, each she and Voloshyn consider peace should still be a great distance off, regardless of the summit’s hopeful tone.