As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Washington following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the atmosphere in Kyiv was one of disappointment, frustration, and growing uncertainty. For Ukrainians watching from home, the visit was not just another diplomatic trip; it was a moment that could define their country’s future.
What was meant to be a crucial discussion on continued U.S. support for Ukraine instead turned into a brutal reality check. Trump’s tough stance and his administration’s apparent reluctance to offer unwavering support left Zelensky scrambling to maintain Ukraine’s position on the global stage.
For Ukraine, the visit was disastrous.\
Zelensky’s visit to the Oval Office was supposed to reinforce the partnership between Kyiv and Washington. However, instead of receiving reassurances, the Ukrainian leader found himself in a hostile atmosphere. Trump and his key allies, including Senator JD Vance, took a tough, almost dismissive tone, questioning U.S. military aid and openly blaming Ukraine for prolonging the war.
For those in Kyiv, the spectacle was painful to watch.
“It was an emotional conversation, but I understand our president,” says Yulia, standing in front of St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv. “Maybe it wasn’t diplomatic, but it was sincere. It’s about life, we want to live.”
Yulia’s words reflect a broader sentiment in Ukraine: the more their country is attacked, politically or militarily, the stronger the sense of unity becomes.
Zelensky’s Rising Popularity Amid Crisis
Despite the setback in Washington, Zelensky’s political standing at home appears to have benefited from Trump’s tough stance. Before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Zelensky’s approval rating was just 37%. The war catapulted his popularity to 90%, and while it has fluctuated since, the latest tensions with the U.S. have given him a new boost.
Before Trump’s return to office in early 2025, Zelensky’s approval stood at 52%. However, following the American president’s comments blaming Ukraine for the war, support for Zelensky jumped to 65%.
“They were so rude,” says 30-year-old Andriy, referring to Trump and Vance. “They don’t respect the people of Ukraine.”
Dmytro, 26, shares a similar view: “It looks like Washington supports Russia!”
Despite their dismay at the Washington visit, many Ukrainians seem to be rallying behind their leader, determined to prove that their country will not be abandoned.
An Opposition MP’s Take: Ukraine Must Reframe the Debate
Inna Sovsun, an opposition member of Ukraine’s parliament, was among those shocked by Trump’s approach.
“It was difficult to watch a president who’s been a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world,” she says. “It’s painful.”
Sovsun acknowledges that the fallout from the Washington visit has left Ukraine in a precarious position. However, rather than abandoning negotiations, she believes Ukraine must adjust its approach.
“We need to find stronger allies in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, who’ve all been supporting us,” she argues.
More importantly, she believes Ukraine must rethink its diplomatic strategy when dealing with Trump.
“It’s important to find the right mediator—someone Trump can recognize, but also someone we trust. Someone like [Italian Prime Minister] Giorgia Meloni.”
However, Sovsun is firm in her belief that Ukraine should not bend to external pressure, particularly regarding its leadership.
“Under no circumstances should we agree to calls for the president to resign, and I’m saying that as an opposition MP. That defies the very idea of democracy.”
Washington Fallout: What’s Next for Ukraine?
Zelensky had hoped his visit to Washington would lead to deeper cooperation, possibly even a path toward a more concrete U.S. security commitment. However, those hopes were shattered.
One of the most controversial aspects of the meeting was the minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S., which ultimately was not signed. While this was initially seen as a potential loss, some in Ukraine argue that it might have been a strategic decision. The agreement lacked the American security guarantees that Kyiv and its European allies desperately need.
Opposition MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze believes Ukraine should have anticipated Trump’s tougher stance.
“This mineral agreement does not oblige America to help us militarily, or to upscale or continue the support it’s currently giving,” she says.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament remains largely united behind Zelensky, despite previous political rifts. Even former President Petro Poroshenko—once Zelensky’s fiercest rival—has acknowledged Zelensky’s legitimacy as leader.
A Defining Moment for the World
For Ukraine, the stakes remain existential. Russia has not backed down from its demands for Ukraine’s political capitulation and the complete control of four occupied regions.
“This war is not for some area, town, or treeline in the east,” says Taras Chmut, head of the Come Back Alive foundation, which provides military equipment for Ukrainian forces.
“This is the war that will define the world order for future decades. Whether this world will still exist depends on how this war goes.”
Ukraine’s struggle is not just about its own survival—it is about the global balance of power. Trump’s America First policy signals a shift in priorities, forcing Europe to reconsider its own role in maintaining security on the continent.
Chmut warns that the world cannot afford to look away.
“Europe and the world once again want to close their eyes and believe in a miracle, but miracles do not happen. Countries must accept the reality of the situation and do something about it. Otherwise, you will be the one to disappear next—after Ukraine.”
A Pivotal Moment for Ukraine and the West
As air raid sirens continue to wail across Ukraine and Russian missiles strike cities, the question of Ukraine’s future remains unresolved. Despite diplomatic setbacks, the country is determined to fight on.
The Washington visit may have been a diplomatic disaster, but if history has proven anything, it is that Ukraine does not back down. And with or without full American support, it will continue to resist.
For Zelensky, the road ahead is filled with obstacles. However, if the response in Kyiv is any indication, his people are not ready to give up—and neither is he.
