Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently faced a difficult meeting in the Oval Office with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting, seen as a crucial moment for Ukraine’s future, did not go as planned. While many hoped for stronger U.S. support, Trump took a tough stance, making negotiations challenging. The visit ended without a minerals agreement and left many Ukrainians questioning the future of their country’s alliance with the United States.
Ukrainians Rally Behind Their Leader
Despite the diplomatic setback, Ukrainians are standing firmly behind their president. Public sentiment in Kyiv shows growing support for Zelensky. Many believe that although his approach may not always be diplomatic, it is sincere. One Kyiv resident, Yulia, expressed her feelings, saying, “Maybe it wasn't diplomatic, but it was sincere. It’s about life; we want to live.”
This pattern is not new in Ukraine. Whenever the country faces external threats, national unity strengthens. After the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Zelensky’s approval rating soared from 37% to 90%. A similar trend is happening now, as Trump’s recent remarks blaming Ukraine for the war have boosted Zelensky’s popularity to 65%.
Tensions Between Ukraine and the U.S.
Ukrainians are disappointed by Trump’s remarks and the shift in U.S. policy. Andriy, a 30-year-old Kyiv resident, stated, “They [Trump and JD Vance] were so rude. They don’t respect the people of Ukraine.” Another citizen, Dmytro, observed, “It looks like Washington supports Russia!”
Opposition MP Inna Sovsun also expressed her frustration. She found it painful to watch Zelensky, a leader defending his country against Russian aggression, face hostility from a U.S. president. She argued that Ukraine must now seek stronger allies in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, she insisted that Ukraine should not abandon negotiations but instead find the right mediator, suggesting someone like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.
Ukraine’s Struggle for Support
The meeting highlighted a growing challenge for Ukraine: securing continued international aid. Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze warned that Trump's return to power would make U.S. support more uncertain. She pointed out that the minerals deal did not include military aid or security guarantees.
Despite internal political differences, Ukrainian leaders are standing together. Former President Petro Poroshenko, a rival of Zelensky, acknowledged his legitimacy, emphasizing that Ukraine must remain united against both American and Russian pressures.
The Bigger Picture: A War That Defines the Future
The war in Ukraine is not just about controlling specific regions; it is about the future of the global order. Taras Chmut, head of the Come Back Alive foundation, stressed that Ukraine's fight will determine the world’s stability for decades. He warned that if Ukraine falls, other nations could be next.
As Trump pushes his “America First” policy, he expects Europe to take more responsibility for security in the region. However, Europe is divided, and many acknowledge that peace cannot be achieved without U.S. involvement.
Chmut cautioned against waiting for a miracle: “Countries must accept the reality of the situation and do something about it. Otherwise, you will be the one to disappear next—after Ukraine.”
Conclusion
While Zelensky’s visit to Washington did not bring the results Ukraine hoped for, it has once again united the nation. Ukrainians understand the difficulties ahead, but they are determined to continue their fight for sovereignty. With or without strong U.S. support, Ukraine is now looking to build alliances with other global partners to ensure its survival in an increasingly uncertain world.
