Ukrainians are standing firmly behind their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a tense meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The meeting, which was expected to secure a minerals deal for Ukraine, ended in a heated confrontation that left Zelenskyy empty-handed.
During the meeting, the atmosphere turned confrontational. Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, accused Zelenskyy of being "ungrateful." Trump labeled Zelenskyy as "disrespectful," while the Ukrainian leader attempted to defend his position. This public dispute attracted significant media attention, highlighting the strain in U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
Despite the fallout, many citizens in Kyiv continue to express their support for Zelenskyy. Nikita, a 30-year-old resident, stated, "He is the president, we selected him. So we trust him." This sentiment reflects a broader confidence in Zelenskyy’s leadership, even amidst calls from some in the U.S. for him to resign and hold elections.
Some Ukrainians are concerned about the implications of the argument. One citizen mentioned the possibility that Ukraine might lose American support as a result of the confrontation. However, he remains hopeful about the governance of his country. Another resident, Alla, expressed disappointment over the outcome of the meeting but emphasized her hope for peace. She noted that many Americans feel regret over Trump’s comments, suggesting a divide between Trump’s views and those of the American public.
Others, like Svitlana, are more resolute in their stance. She believes that Ukraine has no choice but to continue resisting, stating, "He does not want peace. He wants to continue to totally destroy us." She pointed out that while the meeting was occurring, attacks were ongoing in Ukraine, further complicating the situation.
Dmytro, another resident, suggested that Ukraine could still prevail without American assistance, relying instead on support from the European Union and local resources. This perspective indicates a growing sense of self-reliance among Ukrainians in the face of uncertain international support.
As the situation unfolds, many in Ukraine remain hopeful for future support from Europe and express a strong resolve to stand firm against the ongoing challenges they face.