Ukrainians back Zelensky amid Trump, Putin’s criticism

As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukrainians are gripped by a sense of somber tension reminiscent of the days leading up to the war.

This time, however, their concerns extend beyond their long-standing adversary, Russia.

A new and unexpected threat has emerged from their once-staunch ally, the United States, where support appears to be waning as former President Donald Trump echoes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and pledges to end the conflict between the two nations.

Trump’s recent claims that Ukraine is led by a “dictator” who initiated the war with Russia have left Ukrainians in shock.

In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized Trump for promoting Russian “disinformation,” prompting Ukrainians to rally behind their leader. “Yes, he’s not a perfect president, but he’s not a dictator,” said Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech worker from Kyiv.

Like many Ukrainians—and even some Republicans in Congress—Karaush is struggling to comprehend Trump’s apparent alignment with Russia, which marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. “It feels like the whole world is against us,” she added.

Despite overwhelming odds, Ukraine has managed to stave off Russia’s advances, thanks in large part to substantial military aid from the U.S.

However, roughly one-fifth of the country remains under Russian control, and after three years of war, both civilians and soldiers are exhausted.

Hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded, tens of thousands are missing, and millions have fled the country.

The situation has grown even more dire in recent days as Trump signaled his intention to broker a rapid end to the conflict on terms that many in Ukraine and the West fear would favor Russia.

Trump’s recent remarks labeling Zelensky a “dictator”—for legally postponing elections last year—and reports of U.S. and Russian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire without Ukrainian input have further deepened tensions.

Even some of Zelensky’s harshest domestic critics have begun defending him. “We may have different opinions about Zelensky, but only Ukrainian citizens have the right to judge his support,” said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker from the opposition party Holos. “And to publicly criticize him too, because, in the end, he is our elected leader.”

Trump’s criticism of Zelensky has drawn backlash from Democrats and even some Republicans in the U.S. Congress, where support for Ukraine has traditionally been bipartisan.

However, Vice President J.D. Vance rebuked Zelensky for publicly warning Trump about falling for Russian disinformation.

The growing rift led to the cancellation of a planned news conference following talks between Zelensky and Trump’s Ukraine envoy on how to end the war.

A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky, a figure that reflects the nation’s unity during wartime.

“We have a president whom we support. During war, we are united,” said Larysa, a 52-year-old resident of Kharkiv who declined to give her full name for security reasons.

The political tensions with the U.S. come as Ukrainian forces, outnumbered and outgunned, face increasing challenges in holding back Russia’s slow but steady advances. Despite the difficulties, many soldiers remain resolute.

“Even if we don’t get enough weapons or if funding is cut, that doesn’t change our duty to fight,” said a Ukrainian officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “No shells? We’ll take up rifles. No rifles? We’ll grab shovels.”

On Wednesday, Trump echoed a frequent Putin talking point, insisting that Zelensky must hold elections despite the ongoing war.

However, the idea has little support within Ukraine, even among opposition politicians, who acknowledge that elections cannot be held under current conditions.

“Elections are not needed right now because they should only take place when we understand the framework of a peace agreement with Russia,” said Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity party.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky, added that holding elections during the war would be impractical and risky.

Millions of displaced Ukrainians abroad would struggle to participate, and those in Russian-occupied territories would be effectively disenfranchised.

Additionally, around 800,000 Ukrainians serving in the armed forces would face significant challenges in voting, and soldiers would be unable to run for office—a right guaranteed under Ukrainian law.

“Holding elections before a peace agreement with security guarantees is signed would be devastating for Ukraine,” said Valerii Pekar, a professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. “The U.S. and Russia are now united in promoting the idea of ‘elections first, then peace’—which is the quickest and cheapest way to bring Ukraine down.”

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