The fallout from an Oval Office confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to ripple across the globe, deepening concerns over the trajectory of U.S. support for Ukraine.
The tense exchange on Feb. 28 saw Trump criticize Zelenskyy, suggesting he had not shown enough gratitude for American aid, before abruptly canceling a minerals deal that had been framed as a step toward Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The meeting ended with White House officials asking Zelenskyy to leave, a moment widely seen as a sign of shifting U.S. policy on the war. On Tuesday, Trump said he would pause military aid to Ukraine. Protests erupted in multiple U.S. cities, with demonstrators warning that a rollback of support could weaken Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
As uncertainty grows, grassroots efforts are sustaining Ukraine’s humanitarian needs. In a small art gallery in San Francisco, an exhibit featuring paintings by Ukrainian artist Alyona Krutogolova is funding emergency relief. The proceeds support Donum Vitae, a nonprofit that has spent three years delivering medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals, clinics and homes. Until recently, United Airlines waived baggage fees for these medical shipments but a policy change now requires payment for every suitcase carrying critical supplies, adding further strain on an already stretched relief network.
While political landscapes shift, individuals are stepping in to bridge the gaps. Artists, curators, medical professionals, and volunteers are working together to preserve cultural identity, secure humanitarian aid, and ensure supplies reach those in need.
