Trump's controversial claims spark anger in war‑torn Ukraine
- This narrative is now intensifying in the USA and is very dangerous. Trump is simply saying what Putin wants to hear. It's a scandal to claim that Ukraine started this war. It's a monstrous lie that should provoke a strong reaction from Europe, - says Vasylyna Lychko, a resident of Odessa.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine during a press conference. He stated that Kyiv should have ended the war three years ago, at its inception. He even suggested that Ukraine itself started the conflict. - "They should never have started it. They could have made a deal," he said.
Trump also criticized Zelensky, claiming he lacks public support and demands presidential elections in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced on Wednesday that official talks on ending the war between Trump and Putin will likely occur before the end of February.
These words caused an uproar in Ukrainian society. "Ukrainian Pravda" bluntly calls Trump a "traitor," and the "Unian" agency writes about the "recklessness and stupidity" of the American leader. We speak with Ukrainians about their feelings and reflections after the statements from the past night, who remain in their country despite the war.
Vasylyna Lychko works and lives in Odessa daily. For the last three years, she has experienced many attacks from Russian forces, which repeatedly struck the vicinity of Odessa. However, she never thought about leaving. - In our hearts, we believed that we must live normally and work for the good of our country. Our men fought on the front lines, and my colleagues and I wanted to build normalcy here. It was difficult, but we managed, - recalls Vasylyna.
She adds that there is currently enormous fatigue in society from the war, losses, and death. - We all know someone who died on the front lines. It cost us a lot. At this moment, we see that all our efforts have been in vain. And now, after the election of the new U.S. president, everything has once again crumbled, - she emphasizes.
- We are tired of the war, but no one will agree to the conditions proposed by Trump. No one wants Putin to consider himself a winner, - she notes. She acknowledges that Ukrainians expect concrete actions and unrelenting determination from their president. They look at the immediate future with anxiety.
- I believe that this narrative, which is now intensifying from the USA, is very dangerous. Trump is simply saying what Putin wants to hear. It's a scandal to claim that Ukraine started this war. It’s a monstrous lie that should provoke a strong reaction from Europe, - concludes the resident of Odessa.
"A strong Putin will be even more unpredictable and dangerous"
Olena Samsonova is 34 years old and lives in Kyiv. She has not left her hometown since the start of the war. In light of recent events, she is considering emigration for the first time.
- We do not know what the next months will look like. I would like to feel a sense of security for myself and my daughter. We do not want to leave Ukraine, but it may become necessary if Putin feels stronger and victorious after the war's end - Olena tells us.
The 34-year-old believes that every concession to Putin only strengthens him and may embolden him to take further decisive steps. - A strong Putin will be even more unpredictable and dangerous not just for Ukraine, but for all of Europe - concludes Olena.
Very similar reflections are shared by our next interlocutor. The partner of 31-year-old Rita was one of the first soldiers fighting at the front. After completing his service, the couple bought an apartment in Kyiv. A year later, their son Maks was born. - Neither at the start of the war nor in the following years did we discuss leaving Ukraine. We spoke about this for the first time on Monday - Rita tells us.
- None of us have any doubts that "peace" on such terms will only allow Putin to strengthen. This is the first step toward war against all of NATO. Europe seems to not notice this - Rita claims.
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