The Shifting Sentiment Among Ukrainian-Americans in Pennsylvania

In a peaceful suburb of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, located just outside Philadelphia, the local Ukrainian educational and cultural center displayed a heartfelt banner: “Thank you USA for supporting Ukraine.” However, the atmosphere inside painted a different picture. Irene Skulsky, a retired teacher in her late 70s, expressed her anger at Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of support for her homeland, which she felt had endangered her son, Darko. As the midterm elections approached, she encouraged her peers to hold Republicans accountable.

“When we vote, we must carry Ukraine in our hearts,” Skulsky urged her fellow retirees, who had gathered to hear from a women’s group, the Daughters of Knyahynya, delivering military aid to Ukrainian forces. “Many here may be Republicans, but we cannot follow party lines; Ukraine needs our unwavering support. We must alter the balance of power in Congress and the Senate.”

Just days before, Skulsky had shared with members of the Ukrainian American Senior Citizens Association how Darko narrowly escaped death while stuck in traffic in Kyiv, where Russian drones targeted the vehicles ahead of him. This incident occurred amid troubling reports that Washington had halted its intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, limiting the early warning system crucial for missile alertness since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Recently, Trump has changed his stance on Ukraine, contradicting his earlier promises made during his victorious 2024 presidential campaign to resolve the conflict quickly. He has struck a controversial deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for diesel imports, contradicted US sanctions, and called for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Reports also emerged accusing his administration of limiting Ukrainian military access to vital communication systems.

Skulsky’s distress was compounded by the reality that while Darko remained uninjured, some individuals in the targeted cars tragically lost their lives. She lamented that certain Republicans were prioritizing their positions over standing firm against Trump. “They fear him,” she said. “They worry about losing their status. I believe their hearts are with Ukraine, yet they remain passive.”

Many Ukrainian-Americans, according to Eugene Luciw, a retired lawyer and representative of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, are poised to express their frustrations at the polls on November 3. “For Ukrainian-Americans, foreign policy is undoubtedly the foremost concern,” Luciw noted. “Even those without personal ties to Europe recognize the significance of this issue. If Ukraine fails in this war, we may find ourselves on the brink of a larger global conflict.”

Trump’s foreign policy missteps also include his ongoing conflict with Iran, which adversely affects American living costs. His propagation of tariffs on numerous imports is another pressing issue voters are concerned about this election cycle. The long-standing conflict with Iran, initiated earlier this year, is showing no signs of resolution, with Trump reportedly planning further military actions after the midterms to regain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, significantly impacting global oil prices.

The economic ramifications of this strife have deepened the effects of inflation, exacerbated by Trump’s tariffs impacting crucial raw materials like steel and copper. Additionally, relations with long-standing allies, especially Canada, have deteriorated following his administration’s imposition of hefty tariffs, provoking reciprocal actions from the Canadian government.

After the breakdown of trade negotiations, Trump’s administration slapped tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports which prompted a tepid response from Republicans like Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, who highlighted the need to maintain harmonious trade relationships.

Trump’s international strategy is notably aggressive, having termed his approach after a recent US attack on Venezuela as the “Donroe doctrine,” echoing the Monroe Doctrine from the 19th century that favored American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Trump has claimed significant achievements, like seizing Venezuelan oil resources, and even suggested appropriating the country as the “51st state.”

His fascination with authoritarian leaders extends to Xi Jinping of China, as Trump continues to bypass seasoned diplomats in favor of his personal circle, including his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, when navigating intricate diplomatic issues.

This shift in Trump’s stance towards Ukraine has raised alarms, particularly due to the potential fallout with European NATO allies who view Ukraine’s defense as a crucial front. It emphasizes Trump’s puzzling affinity for Putin, especially considering his earlier claims to resolve the crisis expeditiously during the 2024 presidential election race.

There is concern that Trump’s recent moves signal a definitive abandonment of Ukraine, as economists argue that the scale of his diesel deal with Russia would mean little in mitigating diesel price hikes primarily attributed to the Iranian conflict.

These developments have left many Ukrainian-Americans bewildered and angry. Andrij Chornodolsky, from the senior citizens association, voiced the sentiments of many, urging civic engagement and criticism of the administration’s recent choices. “How can you do this to us?” he questioned, calling out the Republican silence in Congress as tacit approval of Trump’s actions.

The Ukrainian-American population in Philadelphia is significant, with about 60,000 individuals of Ukrainian descent in the metropolitan area. For some long-time Republicans, like Peter and Orysia Hewuka, Trump’s recent actions have prompted a shift towards voting Democrat, marking a challenging transition.

Luciw emphasizes the growing discontent even among those previously loyal to Trump, stating that more than 75% of his supporters in the Ukrainian community now feel abandoned due to his recent decisions. “We hoped he would negotiate, but the diesel deal shifted perspectives dramatically,” he added.

Mykola Hryckowian, once a staunch Trump supporter, recounted how recent political maneuvers have alienated him, showcasing a broader trend of disappointment among Ukrainian-Americans who once saw their interests aligned with Trump’s policies.

Others maintain their skepticism, like Mark Andryczyk, a scholar who noted that Trump’s actions were always predictable. “There was never a real expectation he would prioritize Ukraine,” he commented, calling attention to Russia’s positive reception of Trump’s leadership.

The evolving twists of Trump’s foreign policy may ripple through the elections, particularly as voters weigh economic impacts, like tariffs and the situation in Iran, when casting their ballots. However, should Trump find himself constrained by a Democrat-led Congress in his final two years, the international arena could become the focal point for asserting his authority.

Conclusion

The sentiments of Ukrainian-Americans regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine, are shifting dramatically as the midterm elections approach. Many are wrestling with their political identities amid what they perceive as a betrayal from Trump’s recent decisions.

• Ukrainian-Americans express heightened frustration over Trump’s changing stance towards Ukraine.
• The upcoming elections may see a shift in voter allegiance, particularly among those previously loyal to Trump.
• Foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine and Iran, remains a pivotal issue for voters.
• Economic effects of Trump’s policies, particularly tariffs and military conflicts, are influencing voter sentiment as well.