Regardless of whether President Volodymyr Zelensky was lured into an ambush or should have been more diplomatic in the Oval Office, it was a disastrous visit for Ukrainians. But they do not back down.
Those who watched the tough confrontation from Kiev understood Zelensky best. The future of their country was at stake, writes BBC.
"It was an emotional conversation, but I understand our president. Maybe he wasn't diplomatic, but he was sincere. It's about life, we want to live," says Iulia, near the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, with its golden dome.
Her words reflect a political pattern in Ukraine: the more the country is attacked, the more unity is created.
Before the large-scale invasion in 2022, President Zelensky's trust rating was 37%. After that, it rose to 90%.
Before Donald Trump returned to office in early 2025, his popularity rating was 52%. After the US president blamed Ukraine for the start of the war, it reached 65%.
Volodymyr Paniotto, director of the International Institute of Sociology in Kiev, explains how President Zelensky's popularity has increased in the last 24 hours: "When the situation worsens, we gather around the flag again."
And the opposition is with Zelensky
After the conflict at the White House, there are clearly resentments between Washington and Kiev. However, Sovsun does not believe that Ukraine should give up negotiations but should reset the debate.
President Zelensky hoped that his visit to Washington would lead to deeper cooperation with the United States, which could in turn bring lasting peace. Sovsun believes that no one wants this more than Ukrainians.
The war that will define the world order in the coming decades
While sirens blare and rockets fall on cities, the war continues, despite all discussions about ending it.
Russia does not give up its demands for the political surrender of Ukraine and complete control over four regions.
"This war is not fought for a zone, city, or border in the east. This is the war that will define the world order for the decades to come. Whether this world will still exist depends on how this war unfolds," says Taras Shmut, head of the Come Back Alive foundation.
The organization was founded after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014 and provides military equipment for the fight against Ukrainian troops.
While ruthlessly pursuing his "America first" policy, Trump wants Europe to provide security on a continent where he is less willing to do so. But Europe is divided on this issue, and if there is one agreement, it is that peace is not possible without the United States as a safety net.
"Europe and the world once again want to close their eyes and believe in a miracle, but miracles do not happen," says Shmut. "They must accept reality and do something about it. Otherwise, you will be the next to disappear after Ukraine."
T.D.