The Current Why peace still feels out of reach in Ukraine
Jan 7, 2026
Yevhen Matvienko, a Ukrainian from the war-torn Donbass region, shares his poignant insights on the humanitarian toll and the red lines regarding territory in peace negotiations. Tim Mak, a Kyiv-based journalist, provides critical analysis of the battlefield dynamics and the complex role of international diplomacy. They discuss the skepticism around Ukrainian President Zelensky, the implications of ceding land, and the harsh winter looming over affected regions. The guests paint a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle and the elusive path to peace.
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Peace Talks Without Relief Feel Hollow
- Yevhen Matvienko says diplomatic declarations feel hollow when attacks and power outages continue.
- He emphasizes that talks without on-the-ground relief don't give Ukrainians hope.
Childhood Ties Across The Border
- Yevhen Matvienko recounts growing up near the Russian border with family ties on both sides.
- He recalls cross-border visits and memories of 2004 when pro-Russian sentiment spread in Donbass.
Donbass Is Strategic And Resource-Rich
- Matvienko links the Donbass contest to Russia's decade-long occupation and regional resources.
- He notes the area's mining and oil wealth as strategic motivations for control.