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Ukraine Crisis: Zelenskyy Gains Public Backing as Trump Echoes Russian Rhetoric

Ukraine Crisis: Zelenskyy Gains Public Backing as Trump Echoes Russian Rhetoric
Ukraine Crisis
Zelenskyy Leadership
U.S.-Russia Relations

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.