The Growing Uncertainty Among Ukrainians Over U.S. Support
For months leading up to the 2024 American elections, Ukrainians grew increasingly anxious about the future of U.S. support for their country as it battles for survival against Russia. The relationship between Ukraine and the United States, a cornerstone of Kyiv’s defense strategy, appeared to hang in the balance. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ill-fated meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House in the fall of 2023 only deepened these fears. Many Ukrainians began to conclude that Trump, who had once been a key ally, had chosen a side—and it was not Ukraine’s. The meeting left little room for doubt: Trump’s hostility and pressure on Zelensky to accept terms favorable to Russia brought the once-unthinkable possibility of a long and lonely war for Ukraine closer to reality.
Phillips O’Brien, an international relations professor at the University of St. Andrews, described the situation as “clarifying, though not in a great way” for Ukraine. “Ukraine can now only count on European states for the support it needs to fight,” he said, underscoring the shifting geopolitical landscape. The meeting not only strained the U.S.-Ukraine relationship but also sent shockwaves across Ukraine, forcing its leadership and citizens to confront the possibility of fighting without American backing.
Zelensky’s Dignified Stance and the Backlash Against Trump
Despite the immense pressure exerted by Trump during the meeting, Zelensky stood his ground, refusing to bend to the former president’s demands. This act of defiance earned him widespread support from Ukrainians, including opposition politicians and ordinary citizens. Maryna Schomak, a civilian whose son’s cancer treatment was disrupted by the destruction of Ukraine’s largest children’s cancer hospital in a Russian missile strike, praised Zelensky for conducting himself with dignity. “They gathered with one goal—to pressure us and undermine our authority on the global political stage,” she said of Trump and his team.
Zelensky’s refusal to yield to Trump’s demands was seen as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience. The Ukrainian president took to social media to thank the United States, Congress, and the American people for their support, emphasizing Ukraine’s gratitude, especially during the three years of full-scale invasion. While Zelensky signaled that he had not entirely given up hope of repairing relations with Trump, his actions hinted at a strategic shift toward strengthening ties with Europe. Ukraine announced plans for a joint weapons venture with France, financed by frozen Russian assets, and Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, as part of efforts to broaden European backing.
The Deeper Rift in U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The fallout from the meeting extended far beyond its theatrical elements. Professor O’Brien noted that Trump’s comments suggested a deeper rupture in the relationship, rooted in Zelensky’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire on terms dictated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s outburst—shouting at Zelensky, “You’re buried there,” and “Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers”—was not just a personal attack but a reflection of his belief that Ukraine should surrender to the demands of both Trump and Putin.
Soldiers on the front lines, such as Pvt. Serhiy Hnezdilov, echoed this sentiment, expressing their belief that Trump had chosen his side in the war—and it was not Ukraine’s. Hnezdilov described the meeting as an attempt to humiliate Zelensky, adding that it was “utterly absurd” given Ukraine’s long-standing admiration for American democracy and values. The incident left many Ukrainians feeling naïve about their trusting relationship with the U.S., but it also strengthened their resolve to stand behind Zelensky.
Zelensky’s Reassurance to Ukrainians and the Path Ahead
In the aftermath of the meeting, Zelensky sought to reassure his war-weary nation that Ukraine was not alone. “People in Ukraine need to know they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country and every corner of the world,” he said in a statement. European leaders quickly rallied around Ukraine, with many taking to social media to express their support. Zelensky personally thanked each leader, reposting their statements as a gesture of gratitude.
However, Zelensky also acknowledged the potential consequences of losing U.S. military support, calling it a “difficult” but necessary reality to confront. “It will be difficult for us,” he told Fox News. “That’s why I’m here.” Despite the challenges, Zelensky’s domestic standing remained steady, with even opposition figures backing him. Natalia Pipa, a member of Parliament for the Holos party, praised Zelensky for withstanding Trump’s pressure, saying, “Though I do not fully agree with President Zelensky’s policies, I must say that I am genuinely grateful to him for withstanding this pressure.”
The Broader Implications of the U.S.-Ukraine Rift
The tense exchange between Trump and Zelensky occurred against a backdrop of escalating alignment between Trump and the Kremlin. Since a 90-minute call with Putin in February 2023, Trump had increasingly sided with Russia, labeling Zelensky “a dictator” and falsely accusing Ukraine of starting the war. He also demanded that Zelensky “move fast or he is not going to have a Country left” and offered concessions to Putin, including support for Russia’s readmission to the Group of 7 and calls for elections in Ukraine.
These actions, coupled with the termination of U.S. initiatives to restore Ukraine’s energy grid and the dismantling of pro-democracy programs, sent a clear signal that Trump’s administration was distancing itself from Ukraine. The White House even cut funding for initiatives aimed at countering Russian influence, drawing celebration from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Washington sided with Moscow at the United Nations, voting against a resolution that condemned Russian aggression on the third anniversary of the invasion.
Ukraine’s Resilience and the Quest for Freedom
Despite the challenges, Ukrainians remained determined to fight for their freedom and sovereignty. Natalka Sosnytska, a program coordinator at the Behind Blue Eyes project, which helps children with war trauma, captured the mood of the nation. “Of course, we want peace, but only after our victory,” she said. “By standing his ground, Zelensky preserved our dignity as a nation.”
As the path ahead remains uncertain, Ukraine is focusing on repairing relations with the U.S. while shoring up European support. Zelensky’s efforts to engage with European leaders and secure new partnerships, such as the weapons venture with France, highlight Ukraine’s determination to diversify its alliances. However, the road to peace is fraught with challenges, particularly as Trump’s alignment with Putin continues to undermine Ukraine’s position.
In the end, Ukrainians remain resolute in their quest for freedom and independence, armed with the knowledge that their struggle is not just for survival but for the preservation of their national identity and democratic values.
