FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Ukrainians have come out in support of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing him as a defender of the country's interests, following his visit to the White House and tense conversation with President Donald Trump.
The unusual exchange in the Oval Office raised questions about future American support for Ukraine in the midst of its war with Russia. But despite the diplomatic fallout, many Ukrainians supported President Zelenskyy’s firm stance. Officials across Ukraine praised their leader’s steadfastness, while some warned of the risk of losing critical American support.
As two drones struck Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Friday evening, the head of the region bordering Russia, Oleh Syniehubov, praised President Zelenskyy.
“Our leader, despite the pressure, remains steadfast in defending the interests of Ukraine and Ukrainians. … We only need a just peace with security guarantees,” Mr. Syniehubov said.
Officials at the national, regional, and local levels also expressed their support for President Zelenskyy on social media.
"Unwavering commitment to Ukraine's interests and devotion to his country. This is what we saw today in the United States. Support for the President of Ukraine," Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba wrote on the Telegram network on Friday.
However, not all Ukrainian political figures were so convinced to express support for the way the Oval Office meeting ended. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said he hoped “that Ukraine will not lose the support of the United States, which is extremely important for us,” as he put it.
"I was proud of him. He was wonderful," one person told the BBC, adding that they want European countries to unite so they can be even stronger than the US.
Another Kiev resident says "this is our land," adding: "This is our people and we will not stop fighting."
An 87-year-old woman says US President Donald Trump treated Zelensky "with great disrespect".
"He has always expressed gratitude for the American people. He has always stood with the American people. He is a decent person," she says.
She further says that four of her relatives were killed in the war.
"My grandchildren and great-grandchildren are on the front lines. I don't think we'll give up," she adds. "I'm 87 years old, if they're gone, then I'll go to the trenches myself."
Lini një Përgjigje