Ukrainians Slam Trump’s Latest Peace Efforts: ‘He Is Like a Child’

They believe that the president’s unstable behavior risks empowering Putin, not stopping him.

Locals Challenge Trump Over Putin Talks

As Donald Trump positions himself as a potential peacemaker between Russia and Ukraine, people on the ground in Kyiv have a message for him: don’t make any deals until you’ve seen the war with your own eyes.

‘Trump Should See How This War Really Is”

Iliya Pidgayniy, 27, who serves in the Ukrainian military alongside his brother, said the U.S. president needs to understand the true scale of Russia’s destruction.

“President Trump should see how it is in Ukraine,” he told reporters.

‘We Want Peace But Not at Any Cost’

Iliya, speaking alongside his father in central Kyiv, said Ukraine has wanted peace from day one, more than “any American or European official tired of this war.” ‘

But peace, he insists, must come through victory and justice, not compromise.

Need to Break Russia

Iliya didn’t mince words: “The best way to conclude the peace is to break down Russia so it will never attack again.”

His view echoes that of many in Ukraine who fear any rushed peace deal could reward Putin for invasion.

Like a Small Child

Oleksandr Borushko, 60, had a harsher view.

“Donald Trump is like a small child who only listens to the person giving him attention,” he said.

He warned that the president’s unstable behavior risks empowering Putin, not stopping him.

He Helps Russia

Oleksandr added: “One day [Trump] leaves negotiations, tomorrow he’ll return. I don’t think he knows what will happen.”

For many in Ukraine, Trump’s on-again-off-again diplomacy is not just confusing, it’s dangerous.

Early Hopes for Trump Have Turned to Disappointment

Some Ukrainians once believed Trump’s bold, deal-making persona could help end the war.

But since returning to office, faith in his ability or willingness to act in Ukraine’s best interest has faded fast, according to former ambassador Oleg Shamshur.

Not a Way Out

Shamshur said there was once a belief that Trump might force a path to peace that protected Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Now, many in Kyiv feel he’s more focused on talking to Putin than standing up to him.