In Kyiv, residents expressed astonishment and dismay as U.S. President Donald Trump extended a red carpet welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Alaska. This display of camaraderie came amidst ongoing Russian bombardments in Ukraine, a situation that Ukrainians have endured for over three years since the full-scale invasion began. Local citizens, such as 66-year-old Natalya Lypei, were struck by the images of the two leaders, particularly noting Trump’s warm greeting towards Putin, who has been largely isolated from the international community due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
Many Ukrainians perceived this encounter as a betrayal. The lavish reception afforded to Putin seemed to underscore a disregard for Ukraine's suffering and the ongoing invasion that has resulted in tens of thousands of military and civilian casualties, with a significant portion of Ukraine remaining under occupation. Lypei, who lost her son in the war, likened the event to another funeral, remarking, “It hurts me a lot that my child died in a full-scale war, and today we saw a new funeral.” Her sorrow reflected a broader sense of despair among those affected by the ongoing conflict.
The sentiments were echoed across social media, where memes depicting Putin and Trump walking along a red carpet strewn with dead Ukrainian bodies circulated widely. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had foreseen that the meeting would primarily serve as a public relations boost for Putin, allowing him to make his first visit to the U.S. in a decade. Zelenskyy predicted that little meaningful progress would arise from the discussions, ultimately leading to a photo opportunity that solidified Putin's standing on American soil.
Responses from Kyiv residents highlighted their disappointment with the outcome of the meeting. Natalya Cucil, 60, conveyed her shock that Trump did not yield any tangible results despite his claims of wanting to end the war. The prevailing sentiment among the residents was one of skepticism; they found themselves questioning whether any progress could indeed be made as the war continues to take a heavy toll on their lives and country.
Pensioner Anatolii Kovalenko expressed a stark realization, stating, “Putin won this meeting 100%.” This sentiment speaks volumes about how the perception of public relations can outweigh the actual diplomatic achievements in a conflict as protracted and devastating as the one in Ukraine. The meeting between Trump and Putin, particularly given the context of ongoing violence and loss in Ukraine, left many feeling that their hopes for peace and resolution were once again dashed in the face of international politics.
