Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s summit in Alaska sent waves of concern through Ukraine as locals reacted to what they termed a "disgraceful spectacle." Eyewitnesses from Kyiv criticized the lavish reception of Putin, who has been internationally ostracized for his actions in Ukraine.
As Trump and Putin exchanged friendly gestures on a red carpet—complete with an escort of American fighter jets—many Ukrainians felt it sent the wrong message. Lawyer Maria Drachova voiced that honoring a war criminal with such ceremony was an irrational act that undermined the suffering of millions.
Oleksandr Kovalenko, a political analyst, echoed these sentiments, decrying the legitimacy provided to Putin by a meeting filled with camaraderie and no strict protocol. His smirk in response to a reporter’s question about civilian casualties particularly stung for those devastated by the conflict.
Trump’s method of diplomacy, while viewed as a strategic victory for Putin, was also seen as potentially alienating European leaders. President Zelensky emphasized the need for European support in countering potential influences on Trump by the Russian leader.
Overall, while the summit ended without significant agreements, the show of warmth toward Putin left many Ukrainians feeling crushed and concerned about the implications for their fight against aggression.
