Maryna Tymchenko arrived at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, holding a handmade sign that read, “Reagan would have hated it,” referencing the former American president’s notorious stance against the Soviet Union. Her sentiments resonated with many Ukrainians who feel uneasy about the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Tymchenko expressed a complicated mixture of anger and gratitude, reflecting the sentiments of many citizens—the number of attendees at the protest may have been small, but emotions ran high. Demonstrators, rather than voicing outright hostility, called for the American government to reaffirm its support for Ukraine, highlighting concerns over President Trump’s approach to foreign policy.
As talks between the U.S. and Russia seemingly sidelined Ukraine, participants wondered why their allies appeared to be negotiating on their behalf without their involvement. Tymchenko, a 27-year-old IT professional from Kyiv, stated, “It feels like a knife in the back from your dear friend,” emphasizing her confusion over the U.S. stance. The protest, while subdued in its tone, conveyed a desperate plea for understanding and support from the country they once viewed as a steadfast ally.
As the proposed deal granting the U.S. potential future profits from Ukraine’s critical mineral mines was making headlines, it raised further questions. “Why don’t you support us?” Tymchenko asked, reflecting the sentiments of her peers. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the complexities of international relations and the precarious position Ukraine finds itself in amidst shifting political tides.
In a demonstration devoid of aggressive rhetoric, Tymchenko and her fellow citizens articulated a longing for solidarity rather than hostility, signifying the unique atmosphere of a protest calling for empathy and support from a nation they had once regarded with warm appreciation.
