Residents in Moscow and Kiev shared their thoughts on the prospects for peace with China Global Television Network (CGTN) as the Russia-Ukraine conflict entered its fifth year.
Despite recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, fighting continues to severely impact civilians on both sides.
In Moscow, people expressed a deep desire for peace while remaining cautiously optimistic about the latest diplomatic efforts.
"Watching this all, as peaceful citizens, we're wishing for it to end soon. In any case leaders of each country must find a consensus and reach a settlement, because the conflict, in our days, is negative. It's lives lost, broken destinies. Of course, I hope there will be a resolution," said Aliya, a resident.
"Since it's not the first time that attempts to negotiate peace are happening, in bilateral and trilateral formats, I think that it's bringing some change, and maybe it's a better scenario than having the talks go over and over again around the same thing, better than hundreds of rounds of bilateral talks. So, at least there's been some change and we can keep hoping," said Taisiya, another resident.
Across the border in Kiev, residents similarly yearn for an end to hostilities, though some expressed skepticism about any settlement involving territorial concessions.
"We don't just want the war to end; we simply think it's about to end. And every bit of information about positive negotiations, so to speak, is, of course, a big plus and a source of hope for Ukrainians, because it needs to end," said one resident.
"I believe the Ukrainian people are prepared to wait even longer, because, well, all my acquaintances, all my friends, are against giving up territory. That's why I think it's impossible and won't happen," another said.
Residents in Moscow, Kiev share thoughts on prospects for peace
