Kyiv Reels as Trump’s 50-Day Ultimatum Sparks Fear
Ukrainians Met with Anxiety Over US Plan to Pressure Russia Amidst Escalating Attacks
Residents of Kyiv are enduring immense strain, battling exhaustion from constant air raid sirens and the psychological toll of relentless attacks. The familiar refrain, “It was a long night,” echoes through the capital, reflecting the daily reality of the ongoing invasion.
Divisive Diplomatic Gambit
The announcement by US President Donald Trump, offering Russia 50 days to agree to a ceasefire or face “very severe tariffs… at about 100%,” has been met with significant apprehension and criticism from Ukrainian officials.
Urgency for Immediate Action
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko questioned the extended timeline during an interview with German television, emphasizing that Russian assaults are intensifying. He voiced concerns that more lives could be lost during the proposed 50-day waiting period.
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with President Trump, reportedly thanking him for his “willingness to support Ukraine” and for the promise of “top-of-the-line weapons” to be delivered via NATO partners. These potential “secondary tariffs” would specifically target nations purchasing Russian oil exports.
“Bittersweet” Prospect for Ukrainians
Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik described President Trump’s announcement as “bitttersweet,” pointing out that it grants Russian President Putin an additional 50 days to continue deadly bombardments and press his offensive. “It is very hard and very personal for us because we don’t know if some of us will survive for these 50 days,” she told the BBC.
UN human rights monitors reported that over 230 civilians were killed in Ukraine last month, with many more injured. This figure represents the highest monthly toll in three years, as Russia deployed a record number of drone and missile attacks. According to the UN, as of February 2024, over 10,000 civilians had been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022 (UN Human Rights Office).
Weapons Deliveries and Lingering Doubts
Among the crucial military aid being sent to Ukraine are Patriot air defence systems, intended to bolster the protection of cities against aerial assaults. Ukrainian officials, like Ms. Rudik, maintain Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional ceasefire, stating they have “done everything by the book” and have seen “not a single fact that would prove Russia wants to stop the war.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to President Trump’s announcement on Tuesday, calling it “very serious” and warning that such decisions might be perceived by Kyiv “not as a signal for peace but as a signal to continue the war.”
On the streets of Kyiv, skepticism about President Trump’s promises is palpable. Residents like Yuliia and Alisa expressed worries about his relationship with the Kremlin. “I don’t believe it is real help for Ukraine… it’s all about his ego,” Yuliia stated, anticipating a challenging period for Ukraine over the next four years. Alisa added, “Everything that happened during the last six months just proved that nothing will change despite what Trump does or does not say.”
However, Nina, another Kyiv resident, holds a more optimistic view, believing that the additional weaponry from the US and European NATO members could accelerate the war’s conclusion. She suggested that the conflict might have ended sooner if Russia had not received assistance from allies like North Korea and China.
Artem, whose father is serving in the Ukrainian army, shared a sentiment of hope: “People say a lot, let’s see how it goes. I hope that everything will be the way we want. And we want peace, for the war in Ukraine to end, and for all the guys to return alive.”
As diplomatic discussions and proposed tariffs unfold, the brutal reality of the war persists, underscored by the somber memorials in Kyiv, a testament to the soldiers who will never return home.
