KYIV, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to embark on a series of foreign tours amid final preparations for a Ukrainian counter-offensive gained the support of some residents of the capital, Kyiv. Friday, just hours after it was hacked 10th time this month.
The president’s recent visit — he visited four European capitals over the weekend and Saudi Arabia on Friday, and will attend the Japanese Group of 7 meeting this weekend — in contrast to much of the first year of the war, when Zelensky’s choice to stay in Ukraine became a symbol of defiance and solidarity.
Now, residents interviewed on the streets of Kyiv say they are excited by the warm reception Mr Zelensky has received abroad at a time when continued support from allies is crucial. important.
Neonila, a 76-year-old retired sanitation worker who, like many people interviewed for this article, said: “I think that’s amazing, because he builds bridges between all the nation.
At each stop on his diplomatic tour, Mr. Zelensky worked to bolster support and demand more weapons for the fight against Russian aggression. His tornado trip to Germany, France and England last weekend obtain billions of dollars in new military aid.
“Every one of his visits ends on a positive note,” said Neonila, buying vegetables at a downtown stall. “We were given something.”
While some of those interviewed in Kiev appeared to oppose the trip, some questioned Mr. Zelensky’s motives.
Liudmyla, 75, said the trips were good for the president’s “appreciation” as she sat on a bench in Kyiv park in the sun with a friend.
“He is building an image for himself, for future elections,” she said.
Kateryna Papusha, who was sitting next to her young daughter’s stroller in the park, said she supported the trip because some foreign leaders were unable or afraid to visit Ukraine.
“I support his foreign visits, because each visit is quite productive,” she said. “There is some agreement, some support, some help for Ukraine.”
Ms Papusha added: “Being close to someone involved in the war has brought her special attention to announcements of a commitment to buy new weapons.
Most Ukrainian men have been barred from leaving the country since the war began, and the damage of nearly 15 months of fighting has been felt across the country. Volodymyr Pylypenko, 45, who was wounded fighting in eastern Ukraine, said on Friday that he had not been closely following Mr. Zelensky’s moves.
“I am more worried about the situation on our front,” he said, smoking a cigarette as he stood outside the hospital.
But that doesn’t mean he thinks a wartime president should stay put, he said. Since a general is in command of the armed forces, he said, Mr. Zelensky can handle foreign politics.
“If he does something good for Ukraine, that’s just a plus,” Mr Pylypenko said.
Valentyna Horbachiova, 65, expressed a sense of urgency, saying going abroad is “very necessary right now” — especially in light of the recent attacks on Kyiv.
“If he walks more and talks to the people on high, maybe peace will be established here, maybe we will get support,” she said as she waited to pick her children up from school.
Ms Horbachiova said Mr Zelensky’s stay in the capital out of solidarity would do nothing, who described the “horrific” attacks she witnessed from her 18th-floor apartment.
“What would change if he sat here? We won’t be bombarded, will we?” she asked. “We would have been attacked just as much – maybe even more if they had known he was here.”
