KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — As the third anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion approaches, Ukrainians feel as somber and anxious as they did just before the conflict began. This time, however, their concerns extend beyond their long-standing adversary.
A new and surprising threat arises from America, once Ukraine’s closest ally, as support from the United States seems to wane. Former President Donald Trump has been voicing rhetoric reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin while advocating for a halt to the hostilities between the nations.
In the wake of Trump’s misleading statements this week, claiming Ukraine is governed by a “dictator” who instigated the war with Russia, the Ukrainian populace is rallying behind President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has publicly rebuked Trump for spreading Russian “disinformation.”
“He’s not a perfect leader, but he is far from being a dictator,” remarked Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech professional from Kyiv, voicing the confusion felt by many Ukrainians — and even some Republicans in Congress — regarding Trump’s newfound affinity towards Russia, which signifies a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
“It seems like the entire world is against us,” Karaush stated.
Despite daunting challenges, with substantial military backing from the U.S., Ukrainians have managed to thwart Russia’s attempts to dominate their nation, though approximately one-fifth of the country is currently under Russian occupation.
After three years of relentless conflict, both civilians and military personnel are fatigued. The toll has been severe, with hundreds of thousands killed or injured, tens of thousands unaccounted for, and millions forced to flee.
Recent days have brought further despair as Trump expressed his intention to swiftly conclude the combat on terms perceived by Zelenskyy and many in the West as excessively lenient towards Russia.
Following Trump labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator” — due to his legal election delay last year — and amid reports of U.S. and Russian officials convening in Saudi Arabia to deliberate a potential ceasefire without Ukrainian involvement, even some of Zelenskyy’s fiercest domestic critics have begun to support him.
“We might have differing views on Zelenskyy, but the judgment regarding his support is solely the right of Ukrainian citizens,” remarked Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker from the opposition party Holos. “And public criticism is valid, as he is ultimately our elected leader.”
Trump’s severe remarks about Zelenskyy have incited backlash from Democrats and even some Republicans in the U.S. Congress, which has historically backed Ukraine against Russia with significant military aid. Nonetheless, Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for his public caution regarding Trump’s susceptibility to Russian misinformation.
The escalating tensions resulted in the cancellation of a press conference that was set to take place after discussions between Zelenskyy and Trump’s envoy regarding strategies to conclude the conflict.
A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed public trust in Zelenskyy at 57%. This survey was carried out from February 4 to February 9 among 1,000 individuals residing in regions governed by the Ukrainian authorities.
“We support our president. In times of war, we are united,” shared Larysa, a 52-year-old from the northeastern city of Kharkiv, who chose to remain anonymous due to security concerns.
The political divide with the U.S. emerges as Ukrainian forces, outmanned and outgunned, are increasingly finding it challenging to thwart Russia’s gradual but persistent advances.
From the front lines, some Ukrainian soldiers expressed they are not panicking and remain committed to their cause.
“Even if weapon supplies dwindle or funding is reduced, our duty to fight remains unchanged,” said a Ukrainian officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity per military protocol. “No ammunition? We’ll resort to rifles. No rifles? We’ll take up shovels.”
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated one of Putin’s common narratives, suggesting that Zelenskyy, whose term lapsed last year, should organize elections. However, this idea holds little support in Ukraine — including from opposition leaders, who acknowledge Zelenskyy’s right to delay elections amidst wartime conditions.
“Elections are not suitable at this moment since they should only occur when we have a clear understanding of a (peace) framework with Russia,” asserted Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity party. “Society would be better served by postponing elections that might benefit the Kremlin, further fragmenting Ukrainians and possibly ushering in a new president capable of signing an agreement favorable to Moscow.”
A key adviser to Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, added another perspective for delaying elections until peace is achieved: Russia might attempt to meddle in a tumultuous electoral process.
Millions of Ukrainians displaced and residing abroad would face significant barriers to participation — not to mention the hundreds of thousands trapped in Russian-occupied areas, for whom voting would be nearly impossible.
Currently, about 800,000 Ukrainians serve in the military, complicating their ability to vote without compromising military strength. Additionally, those actively fighting are legally barred from running for office under Ukrainian law.
“Conducting elections prior to securing a peace agreement with safety guarantees would be catastrophic for Ukraine,” argued Valerii Pekar, a professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. “The U.S. and Russia currently seem united in promoting the notion of ‘elections first, then peace’ — a swift and economical method to dismantle Ukraine.”
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Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed from Kyiv, Ukraine.
