Trump-Putin clash leaves Ukrainians unimpressed
Trump‑Putin Encounter Sparks Outrage in Kharkiv
While the U.S. and Russian presidents met in Alaska, residents of Ukraine’s northern city felt a disparate outcome. A 38‑year‑old theatre manager, Pavlo Nebroev, waited in the dark of Kharkiv for a brief press conference that, in his words, “looked like a clear win for Putin.” The meeting, though held miles away, appeared to legitimize the Russian leader in the eyes of those who were not invited.
Key Voices in Kharkiv
- Pavlo Nebroev – “I saw the results I expected. We are left out of the discussion, and the meeting was a waste of time.”
- Olya Donik – “It ended with nothing. Let’s continue living our lives here in Ukraine.”
- Iryna Derkach – “Kharkiv is shelled almost every day, and we don’t lose faith.”
What the Meeting Signified
Trump’s decision to invite Putin to the United States abruptly ended the Western ban on the Russian leader that had been imposed after the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not included in the invitation, described the trip as “Putin’s personal victory.” In contrast, Nebroev argued that the issue of Ukraine should be resolved with the participation of Ukrainians and the Ukrainian president himself.
Aftermath and Ongoing Conflict
- Trump and Putin concluded the meeting without reaching an agreement.
- The U.S. president declined to answer reporters’ questions, a rare move for the media‑savvy leader.
- Hours later, Kyiv announced a nighttime attack by Russia that involved 85 drones and a ballistic missile.
- Despite the external drama, residents of Kharkiv continue to shelled almost daily and remain unaffected by the diplomatic interchange.
Perspectives on the Future
While the Trump‑Putin encounter failed to produce tangible results, Ukrainians maintain resilience and solidarity. “We believe in victory, and the outcome will come, but God only knows who will bring it about,” said Derkach. The emphasis remains on local efforts to support each other rather than on international diplomatic proceedings.
