President Donald Trump’s recent comments questioning the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have stirred tensions among the Ukrainian-American community in the United States. With the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaching, Trump’s remarks labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and negotiations that exclude Ukraine have sparked strong reactions.
This week, U.S. officials met with Russian leaders in Saudi Arabia to continue discussions.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy claimed that the talks were not productive without Ukraine’s involvement.
The Ukrainian-American community fears that these statements could shift the relationship the U.S. has with Ukraine.
Dmytro Bozhko, founder of the Ukrainian Association of Florida, criticized Trump’s remarks, stating, “We have heard this exact message in Russian countless times. The only surprising thing about Trump’s message was the language — it sounded exactly like Russian propaganda.”
Bozhko also noted that Ukrainian-Americans feel betrayed by these comments.
Zelenskyy responded specifically to Trump’s remarks about him, saying, “I have great respect for President Trump and the American people who always supported us. Unfortunately, [Trump] lives in a space of disinformation.”
Amid these tensions, Trump’s Russia-Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, recently met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s role in future negotiations.
In South Florida, many Ukrainian-Americans expressed uncertainty about the administration’s approach.
Lev Verkhovsky, a Ukrainian-American who has been living in the U.S. for more than 30 years, voiced his concerns. “The fact is that he is not a dictator,” he said. “It’s funny that, between these two, Trump calls Zelenskyy a dictator and not Putin.”
As discussions between the U.S. and Russia continue, Ukrainian-Americans are watching closely, concerned about the potential impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and international support.
The Ukrainian Association of Florida is holding an event at the Great Lawn in West Palm Beach this Sunday, Feb. 23, to the solidarity of their community with folks back home. The event will raise awareness about the ongoing struggles of Ukrainians while also giving them a platform to voice their support for their country. Attendees can expect performances, cultural activities, and speeches about Ukrainian history.
