The street-level view from Kyiv on Trump's election

We went back to old sources and new friends in Ukraine to get a readout on how they're responding to the seismic news that Trump will be returning to the White House.

Editor’s note: We won’t stop reporting from Ukraine, no matter how bleak things may look. Yesterday we released a mission statement outlining our promises to you, the reader, in the wake of Trump’s election.

We will report despite fear; we will take care of our people; and we will keep putting human stories first. If you believe in us, upgrade now to help us fulfill the mission.

With the election of a second term for Trump, we decided to go back through our rolodex to get reactions from ordinary Ukrainians resisting authoritarianism.

You’ll see some familiar characters here, and some new ones as we canvased Kyiv for opinions. All bold statements are added by The Counteroffensive to emphasize the crux of the opinion.

Iryna Kozyreva, 49, mother of an Azov prisoner, Kyiv. From our story about Yaroslav, the POW.

“When I heard about Trump's victory, I thought: 'God help Ukraine'! Trump will not be able to negotiate with Putin! Putin's terms are death for our state and nation! I am afraid that we will be left without the armed support of the United States, and the support of the EU is not enough! I am afraid that the front will collapse and the war will become a guerrilla war.”

Olha Fedorenko, 50, business analyst, Kyiv:

“My first reaction when I found out that Trump had won was funny. A funny reaction because he is funny. He is associated with memes. I believe that the outcome of the war depends on Ukrainians, not on Americans. Trump will try to negotiate with Russia, but I think he will do nothing, because the Russian president does not hear anyone but himself.”

Mykyta Melnyk, 18, cadet at a military institute, Kyiv:

“My first reaction was probably joy. In my opinion, the US policy will change depending on the new vice-president, among the obvious candidates some are in favor of fully arming the Ukrainian army and a decisive battle, and those who would like to end the war in a purely diplomatic way… [There are] two options: either we sit down at the negotiating table on +- equal terms, or we are pumped with weapons from top to bottom, and we are already doing something.”

Bohdan Miroshnychenko, 23, journalist, Kyiv:

“I'm tired of being nervous about this for the last six months and have decided to accept and live with any outcome. Trump himself does not know if his plan will work, it is pure populism. Trump is certainly not a president of 'peace'. Previous US policy has led to a dead end and a gradual and exhausting military defeat for Ukraine. Now that policy will definitely change. Maybe even more than once.” 

Oleksii [we can’t use his last name due the security reasons], 48, serviceman, Irpin: From our story about guns from Miami to Ukraine.

“In the last six months, the image of Kamala Harris has been more positive than Trump's in the Ukrainian information space, which is probably why some people believe that something might change in support for the US in the worst-case scenario. But I hope this will not come true.”

Yuliia Kotliar, 49, Editor in the marketing department, Kyiv:

“Trump will try to talk to Putin in his usual ‘boyish’ manner and will be rebuffed. And, as he did with Kim Jong-un, he will pretend that nothing happened. He will say to Europe: I tried, now it's your turn, Ukraine is your neighbor, not mine. Trump will not be able to end the war, except to freeze it. And he will call it a success. The price will be the easing of sanctions against Russia and the cessation/reduction of aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russians will get stronger and try to take over Ukraine again.”

Kateryna Datsenko, 26, Project manager, Kyiv. From our story about the Ukrainian moment of silence.

“Trump, as a politician and businessman, is completely unpredictable, and if we analyze the nature of his actions, he often goes back to the negotiating table after signing agreements. That's why (in my opinion) everything he said before the election may be a fiction and his thoughts may change dramatically. And we should expect some new actions, new reactions. Therefore, let us cancel the ‘death pit’ and work for the victory, believe in ourselves.”

Bohdana Panasiuk, 21, graphic designer, Ivano-Frankivsk:

“I still believe in the power of American institutions and the state apparatus, so I don't think that Trump's leadership will have a very negative impact on the transition of events in Ukraine, but I don't have any hopes that there will be changes for the better and that support will increase.”

Bohdan Shutko, 20, student, Kyiv:

“He [Trump] did not talk about Ukraine's victory, but about the end of the war, so there are fears that Trump's peace will be Minsk 3.0, not a just peace - the separation along the front line, not the return of the occupied territories to Ukraine, which is a ‘reward’ for the dictator and his ambitions, poses a threat of new wars, including in Ukraine, in a few years, after Russia takes advantage of the break to accumulate new forces.”

Oleksadra Malysheva, 19, student, tutors kids, volunteer for Armed Forces, Kyiv:

“All conditions will be created for Ukraine to capitulate or accept absolutely unfavorable conditions. What will we gain? Absolutely nothing, we have lost a lot of people, not only military. We have lost territories. What does Russia gain? - Time to rebuild its army, and the war will start again.”

“I have lost a lot of people and things. On the contrary, we need to stick together and help the army, work in unison, so to speak. We want peace and for everyone to return home alive. To their homes. I really want to be wrong in my thoughts. I can only believe in myself and the Armed Forces.’

Yelyzaveta Kanievska, 21, assistant to a Member of Parliament, Kryvyi Rih. From our story about the Ukrainian moment of silence.

“If we get discouraged because an election has taken place in another country and we don't like the president elected, we will never have independence and autonomy. The fact that Trump won today or tomorrow is not going to end the war. Our military continues to fight and we must do the same. We have to rely on ourselves and build our own capabilities. I have heard the following opinion: Trump's victory is a victory of selfishness and narcissism over altruism, and I agree. Trump won on the promise of a weekend away from international worries.”

Oleksandr Moroz, 22, car mechanic, Kyiv:

“He [Trump] is a very unpredictable person, but during his previous presidency, Russians often got their hands slapped, I remember the case when the Wagner convoy was destroyed in Syria, then the Americans closed the account of ~200 killed Russians.”

Yelyzaveta Kozak, 18, barista, Kyiv:

“As far as I know, he [Trump] and Putin are on good terms, he wanted to lift all these sanctions. I hope that they at least won't stop giving some equipment or aid.”

Iryna Onyshchuk, 24, SMM Manager, Poltava: From our story about Ukraine and the sitcom ‘Friends’.

“My first reaction was disappointment. And the question in my head was: 'What will happen next? Lachen [a Ukrainian blogger] writes that everything will be fine. And I want it to be. So let's wait a bit longer. Personally, I don't like Trump. I think some people should retire, not run for president.”

Oleksandr Martyntsev, 72, retired, Kyiv:

“It's not yet known [what kind of policy Trump will pursue toward Ukraine]. Trump may change his mind. That was the election campaign, and now life will begin. And we don't know how it will be. We hope that everything will be fine. Otherwise, if he stops the war between Russia and Ukraine on his own terms, this war will be back in five years. But it will take over Europe and reach the United States.”

Oleh, 42, [his occupation requires not to share his last name], Kyiv:

“I think Trump will continue to support Ukraine and help it in the future. Not because he is loyal to us, but because on the world stage, if he does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose and he will automatically look weak in front of Russia.”

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NEWS OF THE DAY: 

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

TRUMP'S PEACE PLAN: Aides have offered Donald Trump several ideas for resolving the war in Ukraine, which involve either freezing the conflict or abandoning NATO and funding aid to Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reports. Trump himself has yet to make a final decision or endorse a specific peace plan, allies say, including how he will convince Putin and Zelenskyy to sit down and negotiate.

TRUMP'S FIRST PHONE CALLS: US President-elect Donald Trump held a series of phone calls with world leaders. In particular, he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Forbes reports. 

Zelenskyy, who has had a tense relationship with Trump, wrote in X about a “great conversation” with the future 47th president. The leaders agreed to “maintain a close dialogue” and develop cooperation. 

FINAL AID FROM BIDEN: Joe Biden's administration plans to urgently send the last of more than $6 billion in remaining security aid to Ukraine before Donald Trump's inauguration, Politico reports.

This is the only way for the White House to continue sending military weapons and equipment to Ukraine. However, shipments take months to arrive. Therefore, whatever the U.S. sends in the coming weeks is unlikely to reach Ukraine in full by the time Trump takes office.

CAT OF CONFLICT

Today’s Cats of Conflict are Sheri and Stuhna, who live at Myroslava's home. Sheri has been living with her family for over 2 years, and Stuhna is a baby they took in a few weeks ago. And although the two cats are sitting quietly in the photo, they have not yet fully bonded and will try to defend their right to food, territory and Myroslava's love. 

Stay safe out there.

Best,
Myroslava