Ukrainians React to Failed Deal and Trump’s Remarks: A Mix of Resilience and Disappointment

As the U.S.-Ukraine mining deal falls through, reactions across Ukraine reflect a mixture of pride in local leadership and frustration toward U.S. President Trump’s approach.

Liudmyla Shestakova, mourning the loss of her son to the ongoing conflict, noted that despite hope for vital investments from a deal with the U.S. regarding critical minerals, its collapse left her and many others feeling blindsided. Residents in Kropyvnytskyi and beyond expressed disappointment in how President Trump treated Ukraine's leader, President Zelensky, during recent discussions. Many Ukrainians remain committed to their fight for sovereignty and independence, vowing to continue despite the perceived neglect from their American ally. As poet Iryna Tsilyk articulated, there's a deep sense of resilience: "It will be hard, but we will survive."