Columbus’ Ukrainian Community Reacts to U.S. Cutting Aid to Ukraine
Columbus, OH – Tensions between the United States and Ukraine have escalated in recent weeks, sparking frustration and concern among Columbus’ Ukrainian community.
Last Friday, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Days later, the U.S. announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine and halted intelligence sharing, reportedly to push Ukraine toward a peace deal with Russia.
Ukrainian Ohioans Speak Out
With more than 44,000 Ukrainians calling Ohio home, the shift in U.S. policy is hitting close to home. Many local Ukrainians—especially those in the Columbus area—are deeply unsettled by the administration’s recent actions.
Natalya Schaller, who moved to Columbus from Odesa, Ukraine, 20 years ago, said she was shocked and disappointed by the decision to cut military aid.
“I absolutely disrespect what Mr. Trump is doing right now.”
Denis Shkurapet, another Ukrainian-American who has lived in Ohio for 24 years, said he now feels embarrassed by his political affiliation.
“This is not what America stands for. This is not how politicians should act.”
Columbus Veteran Raises Millions for Ukraine
Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Mark Arnold, a Columbus resident, has spent the past three years traveling to Ukraine and fundraising for humanitarian aid. He raised $3.2 million in 2024 alone, in addition to $400,000 in 2023.
Arnold criticized the Trump administration’s actions, warning that they send the wrong message to both U.S. allies and adversaries like Russia.
“It’s extremely unfortunate. It feels like a political ploy to force Ukraine into compliance,” he said. “And it signals weakness to Russia, which remains a direct enemy of the United States.”
What’s Next for Ukraine?
While many Republican leaders are backing away from supporting Ukraine, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently issued a proclamation of prayer for the country.
The future of U.S. involvement remains uncertain. During his joint address to Congress Tuesday, Trump claimed he received a letter from Zelenskyy saying Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal. Zelenskyy later posted on X, stating:
“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. We are ready to work under strong leadership to make it happen.”
As Columbus’ Ukrainian community watches closely, the stakes remain high—not just for Ukraine, but for U.S. foreign policy and global security.
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