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Ukrainians React to Trump -Zelenskyy Oval Office Clash

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ukrainians gathered at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family on Mar. 9, to share their reactions to the Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, voicing both hope and concern over its implications for their homeland’s security.

Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, DC.

Inside the shrine, where many Ukrainians come to find faith and community, Sunday’s service was a traditional Ukrainian Catholic liturgy. The priest, dressed in red and white vestments, delivered his sermon as churchgoers stood and sat in quiet devotion beneath a large painting of the Virgin Mary. However, after the service, it became clear that many carried deep concern for their homeland due to recent events.
 
A week before the Sunday service, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office to discuss U.S. support and a potential mineral deal. The conversation grew tense after Vice President JD Vance urged diplomacy with Russia. Zelenskyy pushed back, citing failed ceasefires in the past. Trump then accused him of gambling with World War III and being very disrespectful to this country.
 
“It’s embarrassing to think that Trump is so shortsighted when it comes to U.S. foreign policy and that he doesn’t consider the long-term consequences,” said Illya Hayda, a churchgoer.

He wasn’t alone in calling out the U.S. administration—many also took issue with Vice President JD Vance, who berated Zelenskyy on whether he had thanked the U.S. enough for its support. One Ukrainian woman pushed back on the idea, saying Ukraine has consistently shown its appreciation.

“One Google search away, you would've seen that Zelensky had thanked, Ukraine had thanked Americans and American taxpayers 93 times before that meeting,” said Sophia Charron, a churchgoer. “So, it's not helpful to hear distracting comments coming from the administration, especially the Vice President.”
 
For many churchgoers, faith is a strong source of comfort, especially during hard times. As the war continues, people rely on their beliefs to stay hopeful about the war ending and for peace between the two countries.
 
“We want peace that is lasting. We want peace that is durable, and we want peace that allows us [the] freedom to live our culture, live our religious freedom, and other things,” said Danylo Kolasa, a churchgoer.
 
Weeks after the Oval Office clash, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to ease tensions. By the end of the talks, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, and the U.S. pledged to resume suspended military aid.

By Tavon Thomasson
Contributions from The Guardian, The New York Times
Photo by Adam Mason
Videos by C-SPAN, Tavon Thomasson
Audio by Tavon Thomasson

To view Tavon's video/audio work for this story, or other projects, visit https://tavonthomasson1.wixsite.com/under-the-radar