As Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the mood remains as tense and somber as it was in the days before the war began. But now, Ukrainians are grappling with a new concern—one that comes not from their longtime adversary, but from their once strongest ally: the United States.
Support from Washington appears to be wavering as President Donald Trump increasingly echoes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric while vowing to bring the war to an end.
After three years of relentless conflict, the unity that initially defined Ukraine’s resistance has started to fray, with old political divisions resurfacing. However, Trump’s recent false claim that Ukraine is led by a “dictator” who provoked the war has unexpectedly galvanized even some of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s critics. A renewed sense of national unity has emerged.
“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—she struggles to understand Trump’s shift toward a more pro-Russian stance. “It feels like the whole world is against us,” she added.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ukraine—with significant U.S. military assistance—has managed to prevent a complete Russian takeover. However, about one-fifth of the country remains under Moscow’s control.
Yet, after three years of war, exhaustion is setting in. Civilians and soldiers alike are worn down, with hundreds of thousands killed or wounded, tens of thousands missing, and millions forced to flee their homes.
The past few days have only deepened the sense of unease. Trump has signaled his intention to swiftly end the fighting—on terms that Zelenskyy and many Western allies fear would favor Russia. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of U.S. and Russian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire, without Ukraine’s involvement.
Following Trump’s “dictator” remark—made about Zelenskyy’s legally sanctioned decision to postpone elections—some of the Ukrainian leader’s opponents have closed ranks to defend him. “We may have different opinions about Zelenskyy, but only Ukrainians have the right to judge his leadership,” said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, an opposition lawmaker from the Holos party. “And we have the right to criticize him too, because, in the end, he is our elected president.”
Trump’s remarks have sparked backlash in Washington, drawing criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans who have supported the billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. However, Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for warning Trump against falling for Russian disinformation.
Tensions between Kyiv and Washington escalated further on Thursday when a scheduled press conference following talks between Zelenskyy and Trump’s Ukraine envoy was abruptly canceled.
Despite the growing uncertainty, a poll released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 57% of Ukrainians still trust Zelenskyy. Conducted between February 4 and 9 among 1,000 people in government-controlled areas, the survey highlights continued public support.
“We have a president whom we stand behind. During the war, we are united,” said Larysa, a 52-year-old Kharkiv resident who withheld her last name due to security concerns.
But Ukraine’s unity is being tested as its military—outnumbered and outgunned—struggles to hold back Russia’s slow but steady advances.
From the front lines, Ukrainian soldiers insist they remain committed to the fight, despite dwindling resources. “Even if we don’t get enough weapons or funding is cut, that doesn’t change our duty,” said a Ukrainian officer, speaking anonymously per military regulations. “No shells? We’ll take up rifles. No rifles? We’ll grab shovels.”
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to echo Putin’s demands, arguing that Zelenskyy must hold elections—despite the legal and logistical impossibilities of doing so in wartime. Even Ukrainian opposition figures reject the idea.
“Elections are not needed right now. They should only happen once we understand the terms of a peace agreement,” said Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity party. “Holding elections now would serve the Kremlin, divide Ukrainians, and potentially install a new president willing to accept a deal favorable to Moscow.”
Zelenskyy adviser Mykhailo Podolyak has warned that Russia would likely attempt to interfere in any wartime election, which would already face immense hurdles. Millions of displaced Ukrainians abroad would struggle to vote, while those living in Russian-occupied areas would be effectively disenfranchised.
Additionally, with roughly 800,000 Ukrainians currently serving in the military, many would be unable to participate without weakening the country’s defense. Under Ukrainian law, soldiers also have the right to run for office—an impossibility in the middle of a war.
“Holding elections before securing a peace deal with strong security guarantees would be devastating for Ukraine,” said Valerii Pekar, a professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. “The U.S. and Russia are now pushing for ‘elections first, then peace’—but that’s the fastest way to collapse Ukraine.”
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