On Wednesday, a rare protest unfolded outside the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, where a handful of Ukrainians took a stand against what they perceive as a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia under President Trump. Maryna Tymchenko, 27, raised a homemade sign that read, “Reagan would have hated it,” referencing the former president's strong opposition to the Soviet Union.
The protest, attended by a few supporters, communicated a complex mix of anger and appreciation. Tymchenko voiced concerns about the U.S. seemingly shifting its allegiance, adding, “It feels like a knife in the back from your dear friend.” Americans had long been viewed as allies, but recent actions sparked fears among Ukrainians questioning if the U.S. was backing away from its commitment to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
Despite the unsettling feelings, Tymchenko and other demonstrators maintain gratitude for past American support. Their protest lacked the usual aggression seen in anti-American demonstrations; instead, it was a heartfelt plea for continued support. Observers noted it was less about harsh criticism and more about a desire for clarity and reassurance from the United States.
