“I don't believe that a war of this magnitude can be ended in one day. It’s not realistic. This is a romantic idea…” says Volodymyr, 37th Marine Brigade battalion commander operating in Ukraine's Donetsk region. With the United States about to inaugurate Donald Trump as president for the second time, Ukrainian soldiers on the eastern frontlines voice their concerns about a possible cut in funding, and scepticism about the prospect of a brisk end to the war. During the US election campaign Trump said he could bring the war to an end in a day but has failed to say how he would do so, although some fear he envisions pressuring Ukraine to give up land that Russia has captured. It would be “very difficult” for Ukraine’s army if US aid is cut, Volodymyr says, but adds that it has “always been delayed” anyway. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES