Ukrainians are expressing widespread skepticism toward the planned Trump-Putin summit, which has sparked debate over its potential impact on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite the nation’s yearning for an end to Russia’s invasion, many citizens remain unconvinced that the meeting between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin will generate any meaningful progress in the peace process. This sentiment has been reinforced by a sense of disillusionment with the United States’ diplomatic efforts, which many view as being manipulated by Moscow.
On Thursday, in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials and civilians alike have voiced concerns that the White House is once again being played by the Kremlin. This comes at a time when diplomatic initiatives have been met with limited success, with many Ukrainians perceiving the summit as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine attempt to negotiate peace. The lack of concrete outcomes from previous talks has left the Ukrainian public questioning whether the summit will bring any tangible change to the conflict.
Analysts suggest that the skepticism is rooted in the perception that the Trump administration has already failed to deliver on its promises regarding the support for Ukraine. Additionally, many Ukrainians are wary of any potential concessions that may be made in exchange for a summit, fearing that such compromises could undermine their sovereignty and security. As the date of the summit approaches, the mood in Kyiv remains cautiously pessimistic, with little optimism that the meeting will resolve the ongoing crisis.