Russians in Moscow welcomed Donald Trump’s conflict with Ukrainian chief Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, expressing hope the US president’s pivot in the direction of the Kremlin may assist finish the Ukraine battle.
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“Frankly speaking, it was very pleasing that he got such a rebuke in the White House,” stated nursery employee Galina Tolstykh, referring to Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s denigrations of Zelensky within the assembly.
“And it was nice that things were finally starting to go in the right direction,” the 63-year-old advised AFP in central Moscow on Saturday.
Donald Trump brazenly berated Zelensky on Friday, accusing him of not being “thankful” for US army assist and of “not being ready for peace”, later writing that the Ukrainian president had “disrespected” the United States in its “cherished Oval Office”.
“It was very strange and very uncomplimentary for Zelensky as a president,” stated 20-year-old waiter Fyodor.
“It seems to me that this is not the way a president of a country should behave,” he stated of Zelensky.
‘Gambling with WWIII’
During the conflict, performed out in entrance of US and worldwide media, Trump advised his Ukrainian counterpart that he would haven’t any “cards” with out the United States and accused him of “gambling with World War Three”.
“Trump himself said a very true thing, that Ukraine has no winning cards in its hands,” stated Fyodor.
“Except for signing a peace agreement and signing a ceasefire agreement in general, they don’t have many options.”
Anastasia, a 26-year-old waitress, stated the spat was disagreeable however expressed hope it might convey the Ukraine battle to an finish.
“It’s not good, of course, that this situation happened. But in general, we are all glad that everything is going to its logical conclusion,” she advised AFP.
Russia launched a full-scale army offensive towards Ukraine by land, air and sea in February 2022, in what Western leaders denounced as unprovoked aggression.
“By and large, everyone is fed up with this war, not only Russia, but the whole world,” stated 56-year-old psychologist Marchel.
Vladimir Putin introduced a full-scale offensive towards Ukraine in February 2022. Image: Sergei BOBYLYOV / AFP
Trump and Zelensky’s confrontation left many in Europe shocked, with European leaders speeding to the Ukrainian’s defence.
“Europe is probably only beginning to recognise the situation it is in, in terms of medium, long-term prospects without the American umbrella,” Russian political analyst Konstantin Kalachev advised AFP.
“So far it is clear that only Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is winning. He looks like a rock against the background of these squabbles,” he added, utilizing Putin’s Russian patronymic.
“But on the other hand, if we talk about medium or long-term prospects, Russia is also losing. If the same agreement were reached now, the road to peace would be shorter,” he stated.
Kyiv had hoped to signal an settlement with the US on sharing mineral sources that it hoped would pave the way in which for safety ensures from Washington because it fights Russia.
But some Russians have been sceptical about Trump’s motives.
“I don’t think he has become an ally. He has his own agenda,” stated Tolstykh.
“He’s a sly fox,” stated 67-year-old retired artist Vitaly Kuragin.
“What’s in it for Russia? He’s for America.”
Whose facet are you on: Volodymyr Zelensky or Donald Trump?
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