Kyiv: Ukrainian soldiers from the 92nd Assault Brigade shared their thoughts on Saturday regarding the escalating tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a heated exchange in the White House.
A soldier, known by the callsign “Edo”, expressed concern that many foreign politicians lack a full understanding of the realities on the battlefield. As reported by the international news agency Associated Press, he remarked, “Many politicians don’t even know what’s happening here, which is why conflicts like the one that happened yesterday arise.”
Edo emphasized that soldiers should remain focused on fighting, while political leaders must ensure they secure the necessary resources to sustain Ukraine’s defense efforts. He commended Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “I completely stand with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.”
Another soldier, using the callsign “DSHB,” offered a more measured perspective, acknowledging the concerns from Washington’s point of view. However, he stressed that without US support, Ukraine’s situation could deteriorate dramatically.
“From their (Americans’) point of view, maybe it’s right. But we definitely know that the United States has been a guarantor of security, and now that they are backing down, it’s, well, not entirely clear to people how that can happen. I don’t have much to say about this. One thing I know for sure is that without support, it will be hard. Not just hard, but very hard,” he said.
Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude to the American people and leadership, emphasizing his desire to maintain “strong relations” with Washington. His remarks followed a tense Oval Office meeting, during which Trump accused him of ingratitude, while Vice President JD Vance joined in criticizing the Ukrainian leader.
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Another soldier underscored the need for compromises on both sides to advance peace efforts. He argued that Ukraine’s security is not only critical for its own survival but also for the broader stability of Europe.
“I believe they need to make compromises on both sides because this is just as important for them as it is for us. So, if this aggression in Ukraine isn’t stopped, the aggressor will already move towards the borders of Europe. And there, I think, Europe will regret not helping us,” he warned.
Zelenskyy Heads to London for European Summit
On Saturday, Zelenskyy arrived in London ahead of a high-level summit organized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders met at 10 Downing Street, where the UK announced a £2.6 billion (€3.15 billion) loan to Ukraine as part of the broader G7 initiative aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s defenses.
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The summit will bring together leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Romania, and Turkey. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to attend, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
