Ukrainians feel under attack not just from Russia, but also the USpublished at 20:38 GMT
Vitaliy Shevchenko
Russia editor, BBC Monitoring
It’s a grim moment for Ukraine. For many, their country is
now under attack not just from Russia, but also from the US – which appears to
support Vladimir Putin’s maximalist demands.
To make matters worse, Volodymyr
Zelensky now finds itself mired in a corruption scandal that threatens to
undermine trust in him at this critical time.
“We must say no to our ‘key partner’,” says prominent
journalist Natalia Lyhachova, external, referring to the US. “That’s a given:
how can this so-called 28-point plan be accepted?”
Another key
commentator, Vitaly Portnikov, argues, external that the plan
only emboldens Putin and shows him that he’s well under way to “destroying
Ukraine’s statehood”.
Some are insulted that the plan was formally handed to the
Ukrainians on eve of Dignity and Freedom Day – which is marked in the country today.
“There’s no dignity there and our freedom is not
guaranteed,” says
prominent volunteer Serhiy Prytula, external. “But what should we expect from
people who are telling us to forget and forgive and engage in trade and
cultural exchange with the Russians, and visit each other?!!”
This is a reference to recent remarks by US Vice President JD Vance, external who urged Russians and Ukrainians to “travel
between the two countries and engage in some sort of cultural exchange”.
There are also those who are pointing the finger at
Zelensky. In his address to the nation, he should have acknowledged “how
badly the massive corruption scandal weakens the state and affects
morale”, argues
journalist Myroslava Barchuk, external.
He should also have pledged to work to
restore public trust in him after some of his closest associates were
implicated in the row, she says.
But for some, after all the tragedy and sacrifices they have
been through, there is no turning back.
“I’ve given everything to Ukraine. And my friends died for
me,” says
Petro Shuklinov, external, a journalist who joined the Ukrainian army. “That’s
why I’ll keep on doing what I can, as long as I can. Friends, I’m urging you to
join me… It’s simple for me: Ukraine or death.”
