The Oval Office saw one of its most heated moments in recent memory on Feb. 28 as the meeting between United States President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky deteriorated in front of cameras. The confrontation led to Trump’s decision on March 3 to indefinitely pause more than $1 billion in planned aid to the long-standing U.S. ally.
The order has shocked the international audience as it marks a harsh departure from the partnership developed by the two countries over the last three years. Hundreds of supporters rallied in Times Square, New York City and around the country only the week before to commemorate three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia and advocate for continued US involvement.
“I just couldn’t believe what I’m hearing from the president of the United States. The U.S. supported Ukraine all these years. Maybe some people say not enough support, but still it was supporting,” said Dmitry Stasyuk, 44, who is originally from Ukraine and joined the rallying crowd outside of the U.S. Army Recruiting Office in Times Square on Feb. 24. “Now, it’s like poles switching. We don’t know on which side are the US and the US President”.
Stasyuk he felt disbelief three years ago at the full-scale invasion and now did again when he heard Trump calling Zelenskyy a dictator and at the suggestion that Ukraine started the war. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, leading to the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
The rhetoric from the U.S. has alarmed a coalition of European countries still fervently promising their support for Ukraine, now left without the resounding conviction of the largest contributor to Ukraine’s defense efforts. Eleven days before President Joe Biden left the White House in January, he signed off his last package worth approximately $500 million in support of Ukraine to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to the US Department of Defense.
“Will America be the leader of the free world?” said Zelenskyy as he addressed a G7 on the morning of the three-year anniversary.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials plan to meet on March 10 in Saudi Arabia to introduce a “framework for a peace-agreement and an initial ceasefire,” said Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff March 6 outside of the White House.
Hundreds of people gathered in Times Square, New York City on Feb. 24 to commemorate three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
Hundreds of people gathered in Times Square, New York City on Feb. 24 to commemorate three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
Many of those rallying in New York City on Feb. 24 held signs. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
“My kids were born here and I want to show them my country — where I am from, and I can’t” said Dmitry Stasyuk, 44, who is originally from Ukraine and is now in disbelief of the United States’ faltering support. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
A demonstrator joins in chants calling for people “Stand with Ukraine.” (Credit: Edward Grattan)
A poster depicted President Trump. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
Two supporters drove by the rally while waving a Ukrainian flag and cheering to the crowd. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
Demonstrators gathered for hours, surrounded by Times Square’s barrage of artificial light, as temperatures dipped in the evening. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
The rally advocated for continued support for Ukraine from the United States in the form of arms and humanitarian aid outside of the US Army Recruiting Office in Times Square. (Credit: Edward Grattan)
