As the world waits for Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, anxiety in Ukraine is running high.
Many fear that behind closed doors, their country’s future could be bargained away — especially after seeing Vladimir Putin welcomed with red carpet treatment in Alaska.
Anger Over Putin’s Red Carpet Welcome
For many Ukrainians, the sight of Putin — a man widely seen as the architect of their suffering — being greeted with smiles, handshakes, and honors by the leader of the free world was almost unbearable.
One soldier, Oleksandr, who serves as a border guard in the embattled Luhansk region, described it as “sickening,” recalling how Putin’s war claimed his father’s life and the lives of countless comrades.
He added that hearing Ukraine discussed like a bargaining chip “was hard to stomach,” but vowed that Ukrainians would never sell out their land.
Trump’s Comments Spark Alarm
Concerns only deepened after Trump openly suggested Ukraine should strike a deal with Moscow because “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.”
His casual tone — followed by a round of golf — left Ukrainians feeling abandoned.
To them, the message was clear: their sacrifices might be dismissed as secondary to a quick settlement.
The Human Cost of War
Ukraine has endured devastating losses since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed or wounded, while thousands of civilians have died in relentless missile and drone attacks.
A fifth of the country remains under occupation, leaving millions displaced and unable to live normal lives.
Social Media Outrage
The frustration spilled online, with Ukrainians sharing edited images of Trump and Putin walking down a red carpet lined with the bodies of victims.
For many, it captured the sense of betrayal — as if their suffering was invisible while global leaders courted Moscow.
Voices of Faith and Fear
Religious leaders also expressed unease. Father Theodosii Alisov, an Orthodox priest, said he was “terrified” by the thought of appeasing Putin, whom he called “the butcher.”
He warned that legitimizing the Russian president’s arguments, as if they were rational, was deeply dangerous.
His hope now rests on Europe taking a principled stance instead of striking deals at Ukraine’s expense.
Zelensky Faces Tough Choices
Analysts say Zelensky walks into tomorrow’s meeting with little room to maneuver.
Professor Volodymyr Dubovyk from Odesa explained that the Ukrainian leader is “staring at a menu of bad options.”
Trump could very well push him to make concessions in the name of peace, regardless of how painful they might be for Ukraine.
Divided Opinions Among Citizens
Not all Ukrainians are unified in their views. Halyna, an 87-year-old refugee from Mariupol, admitted she supports Trump’s efforts.
She believes that even if the deal involves “very painful compromises,” it might be the only way to spare future generations from endless bloodshed.
Like many others who fled occupied territories, she has resigned herself to never returning home but clings to the hope that justice will eventually prevail.
Others, like Olha, remain deeply concerned that occupied territories could simply be “traded away.”
With family still trapped in Russian-held areas, she says they feel forgotten, abandoned, and uncertain of what comes next.
Military Determination on the Ground
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces continue their fight.
Yesterday, the military announced progress on the northern Sumy front, pushing Russian troops back by more than a mile.
Fierce battles continue near the villages of Oleksiivka and Yunakivka, close to the Russian border.
For soldiers like Maria, a 38-year-old servicewoman, there is no question of giving up. “We work without days off or holidays.
We sleep three, maybe four hours a day,” she said. “We have a war here, and we will continue to fight.”
