Ukrainians Disappointed After Zelenskyy Trump Meeting Yields No Missiles

Ukrainians expressed disappointment on March 15, 2024, following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House that did not secure the anticipated delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles. Despite initial signals from the US leader that Washington was open to arming Ukraine with these crucial weapons, the outcome left many in the streets of Kyiv feeling disheartened yet resolute in their fight against the ongoing Russian invasion.

The two leaders met on March 14, where discussions included the potential for missile supplies that Ukraine hopes would pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations. However, President Zelenskyy departed without any commitments, leading to a sense of resignation among Ukrainians. Roman Vynnychenko, a Ukrainian military serviceman, articulated a widespread sentiment, stating, “Ukraine won’t get those missiles,” while emphasizing the urgent need for new weapons to counter Russian attacks that continue to target civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainians have endured more than three years of conflict since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, with a frontline stretching approximately 1,250 kilometers (780 miles) across eastern and southern Ukraine. The war has evolved into a protracted struggle, and despite President Trump’s recent frustrations with the conflict, his tone shifted after a phone conversation with President Putin on March 13, which has cast doubt on further military support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump comes amidst hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts, as the US leader announced plans to meet Putin in Budapest, Hungary, in the near future. Yet, skepticism remains prevalent among Ukrainians regarding the prospect of significant breakthroughs in peace negotiations. Victoria Khramtsova, a psychologist in Kyiv, remarked, “We have been at war for more than three years. We just want peace,” reflecting the emotional toll the conflict has taken on the populace.

As diplomatic discussions continue, the situation on the ground remains dire. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overnight, Russian forces launched three missiles and 164 drones, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting 136 of them. Local officials confirmed that two women, aged 51 and 53, were injured when drones targeted a gas station in the Zarichny district of Sumy in northeast Ukraine.

In a separate development, work has commenced to restore the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been operating on emergency diesel generators since September 23, 2023. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced that Russian and Ukrainian forces had established ceasefire zones to facilitate repairs safely. He called the restoration of off-site power “crucial for nuclear safety and security,” highlighting the ongoing risks posed by the conflict.

Repair efforts are planned in two phases, beginning with the Ferosplavna-1 power line, followed by the Dniprovska line. Grossi noted that this marks the 42nd instance since the full-scale invasion began where power lines to the plant needed restoration, underscoring the precarious situation surrounding nuclear safety in the region.

As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the challenges facing Ukraine remain immense. While there are rare glimmers of positive news, such as the repair efforts at the Zaporizhzhia plant, the overarching reality is one of continued danger and uncertainty. The ongoing war continues to threaten not only the sovereignty of Ukraine but also the safety of its citizens and critical infrastructure.