Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – A few days before the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, the Ukrainians were as dull and nervous as before the war with Moscow. Until now, they are not only worried about their long-term enemies.
Ukraine’s amazing new threat comes from its once most determined ally, the United States, as President Donald Trump echoes the narrative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his support seems to be disappearing while promising to stop both countries The battle between them.
During the three years of war, Ukraine's initial unity began to thin, as ancient friction and political excitement would reappear. But, after Trump’s false claims this week that Ukraine was led by “dictators” who waged war with Russia, some of the toughest critics of President Vorodimir Zelensky’s presidents Also surrounding him, the feeling of unity surged again.
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“Yes, he's not a perfect president, but he's not a dictator.” Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech worker from Keeff, said he likes many Ukrainians, even some Republicans in Congress, who are trying to put her The head was wrapped around Trump's territory. Russia's embrace, which represents the main face of US foreign policy.
“It feels like the whole world is against us,” Kalash said.
With a long history of massive U.S. military support, the Ukrainians have prevented Russia from surpassing their country, even if about one-fifth is now under Russian control.
But after three years of war, both civilians and soldiers were exhausted. Thousands were killed or injured, thousands were missing, and millions fled the country.
In recent days, Trump has shown his desire to quickly end the battle has become more melancholy in recent days to show that Zelenskyy and many in the West say it is too good for Russia.
After Trump falsely called Zelenskyy a “dictator” – legally postponed elections last year – with reports of U.S. and Russian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia, a possible ceasefire was discussed without Ukrainian input, and even some Zelenskyy's Family rivals have also begun to defend some defenses. he.
“We may have different views on Zelenskyy, but only Ukrainian citizens have the right to judge his support,” said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a MP for the opposition Holos. “He was also publicly criticized because he was the leader we were elected in the end. ”
Trump's harsh words of Zelenskyy have attracted criticism from Democrats, and even some Republicans in the U.S. Congress, where Ukraine, which defends Russia (with tens of thousands of dollars in military aid) has received bipartisan support. But Vice President JD Vance warned Zelenskyy to publicly warn Trump to be in trouble due to Russian false information.
On Thursday, deepening tensions led to the cancellation of a press conference that was planned to follow talks between Zelenskyy and Trump's Ukrainian envoy on how to end the war.
A poll released by the Kiev International Institute for Sociology on Wednesday gave Zelenskyy's public trust of 57%. The survey was conducted from February 4 to February 9 and was of 1,000 people living in areas and regions controlled by the Ukrainian government.
“We have a president we support. We were united during the war.
As Ukrainian troops grow, they are working harder to stop Russia's slow and steady progress.
Some Ukrainian soldiers said on the front line that they were not panicked and were not ready to give up on the fight.
“Even if we don’t get enough weapons or cut funds, that won’t change our responsibility (the battle),” said a Ukrainian military officer who asked not to be named. “No shell? We'll get a rifle. No rifle? We'll grab a shovel.”
On Wednesday, Trump responded to Putin's regular conversation points, claiming that Zelenskyy's term expired last year and that elections must be held. However, the idea is almost unattractive in Ukraine, even among opposition politicians, who acknowledge Zelenskyy's right to postpone elections during wartime.
“Elections are not needed now, because they are only carried out when understanding the framework of the (peace agreement) with Russia,” said Volodymyr Ariev, a MP for the opposition European Solidarity Party. “Holding elections now will only benefit the Kremlin and further divide Ukraine.” and install a new president who can sign a deal in favor of Moscow.”
Zelenskyy's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak has proposed an additional reason to postpone any election until peace is available: Russia may seek to interfere with the election process, which has faced significant challenges.
Millions of displaced Ukrainians living abroad will strive to participate – not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians living in Russian-occupied territory whose voting ability is nearly impossible.
There are currently about 800,000 Ukrainians serving in the armed forces, making it difficult for them to vote without weakening their troops. Those fights will not be able to run for public office – rights guaranteed under Ukrainian law.
“There will be a devastating election for Ukraine before a peace agreement is signed with a security-assured peace agreement,” said Valerii Pekar, a professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. “The United States and Russia are now united to promote 'elections, and then peace 'The idea is the fastest and cheapest way to disappoint Ukraine.”
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Associated Press reporter Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to Kyiv, Ukraine.
