Kathrine Frich
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, around 240,000 Ukrainians have entered the US.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, around 240,000 Ukrainians have entered the US.
Trump Signals Support for Ukrainians Staying in the US
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would likely allow Ukrainians who fled Russia’s invasion to remain in the United States until the war ends.
Asked directly by a reporter, Trump replied, “Yes, I think so,” adding, “We have a lot of people who came from Ukraine and we work with them.”
Nearly a Quarter-Million Ukrainians in the US
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, around 240,000 Ukrainians have entered the US under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian program introduced during Joe Biden’s presidency.
The initiative offered temporary legal status, work permits, and access to healthcare and other essential services.
U4U Program Suspended, Future Still Unclear
Although many Ukrainians still benefit from Biden-era protections, the application process for U4U was suspended in January 2025 and hasn’t been reopened.
Trump’s recent remarks suggest those already in the country could retain their status, but a long-term solution remains uncertain.
Prior Reports Raised Ukrainian Fears
Earlier this year, The Washington Post reported the Trump administration had explored using $250 million in foreign aid to repatriate certain refugee groups, including Ukrainians.
Rumors even surfaced about transferring undocumented migrants to Guantanamo Bay, a claim the White House later dismissed as false.
Trump Balances Immigration Tough Talk with Exceptions
Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a central pillar of his 2025 campaign.
However, his recent comments on Ukrainians suggest a potential softening in cases tied to humanitarian crisis, possibly in response to public pressure or foreign policy concerns.
Russia Renews Brutal Attacks Across Ukraine
As Trump made his announcement, Russia intensified its assault on Ukraine.
Over a 24-hour period, seven civilians were killed and at least 21 injured in a wave of attacks involving 78 Iranian-made Shahed drones and decoy targets, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Kharkiv Region Suffers Worst Casualties
Six of the civilian deaths occurred in the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces struck both the city of Kharkiv and nine surrounding villages.
Governor Oleg Siniehubov reported that eight others were wounded in the same region, as air defenses attempted to repel the strikes.
Drone Assault Hits Multiple Regions
Russia’s drone attacks also wounded civilians in the Donetsk, Kherson, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Strikes targeted homes, infrastructure, and emergency response systems.
Ukrainian officials reported that 51 of the 78 drones were intercepted, with others causing widespread damage.
Air Defenses Put to the Test
Ukraine’s military deployed aircraft, electronic warfare teams, and mobile firefighting units to fend off the drone barrage.
Debris from downed drones scattered across several settlements, creating further destruction and panic even in areas not directly hit by strikes.
