As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, Ukrainians face an unprecedented challenge: dwindling support from the United States as former President Donald Trump amplifies Russian disinformation about their leader. Public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rebounded to 57%, according to a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll, as citizens unite against external attacks on their sovereignty.
Trump’s recent characterization of Zelenskyy as a 'dictator' shocked Ukrainians and U.S. lawmakers alike. Kateryna Karaush, a 25-year-old tech worker from Kyiv, encapsulated the national mood:
It feels like the whole world is against us.The comments came alongside reports of U.S.-Russia ceasefire negotiations excluding Ukrainian participation, sparking outrage across political factions.
Key challenges emerge as frontline soldiers report critical shortages:
- Russia controls 20% of Ukrainian territory
- 800,000 military personnel face voting barriers if elections proceed
- Millions remain displaced abroad
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-determination:
Only Ukrainian citizens can judge Zelenskyy’s leadership – and hold him accountable.Security experts warn that premature elections could fracture Ukraine’s defenses, with professor Valerii Pekar noting:
Pushing 'elections first, peace later' plays directly into Putin’s strategy.
Despite political tensions, soldiers vow to continue resisting. A frontline officer stated grimly:
No rifles? We’ll grab shovels.With U.S. military aid delayed and Russian forces advancing, Ukrainians brace for what many call their darkest hour since February 2022.
