In recent days, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has been posting terse Facebook updates about deportations and lifetime bans on entry for “violating U.S. law.” In the context of the horror of a full-scale war, this sounds like the crack of a whip, heralding a severe punitive instruction for Ukrainians who, for the fourth year (and many for the twelfth), have been living in overwhelming stress. This came from the same official American page that not long ago posted greetings and words of gratitude for Ukrainian soldiers defending democracy for the entire world. A warm, inspiring tone urging unrelenting struggle has suddenly shifted to curt bureaucratic replies tinged with threats. And most striking of all are the comments beneath these posts, where Ukrainians, unburdened by bureaucratic or diplomatic constraints, respond emotionally: “The kind, supportive tone has vanished. It seems the Embassy has turned on some crazy printer churning out bans,” “We understand you can’t speak as real humans. Blink twice if it’s true ))),” “Is this really the site of the embassy of a democratic country we all knew as the defender of rights and freedoms?”—real people write in the comments, and their words painfully resonate with many.
Sometimes a seemingly insignificant event serves as the key that unlocks deeper processes. Therefore, it’s worth dwelling not on this social media “warning” story alone but on what lies behind the rhetoric of the new U.S. administration as a whole.
One would think America has long specialized, quite masterfully, in soft power: tactful diplomacy, strong support for democratic movements, thousands of grant programs worldwide. And yet, we suddenly see more frequent statements like “Your visa will be canceled if you…” or “Why don’t you return to your own country?”—as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene put it to a British reporter. In other words, instead of classic courtesy formulas, an abrasive, offensive directness is flourishing. And it’s not that American politicians occasionally being rude is the main issue. The real concern is that such harsh outbursts are increasingly happening at the highest official level, and the global reputational damage fully falls on the United States as one of the world’s primary cohesive brands.
Alternative Agendas
It’s already clear to everyone that in the U.S., a system of alternative media and “influencers” has blossomed—people who do not conceal themselves behind the structures of official briefings. They loudly and unabashedly broadcast anything they want, serving as a perfect tool for short-term gains in support of Donald Trump’s team. However, in the medium and especially the long term, these manipulations of the media landscape—particularly within the system controlling access to information at the White House—are headed toward irreversible collapse, accompanied by a host of makeshift “bandages and patches.” Newly appointed press secretaries, for instance, the 27-year-old Caroline Leavitt at the White House (who, incidentally, bears quite a resemblance in terms of competence and public conduct to a certain former counterpart from the Office of the President of Ukraine), announce the creation of new seats in press pools for bloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers—yet simultaneously call traditional journalists “Soros lackeys” or “liars.” They transform the ethics of dealing with the press into a mocking display of arrogance, undermining the significance of a complicated system meant not only to relay information to citizens but also to create preventive levers of influence on the President’s decisions. Serious media outlets do not forgive such treatment, and I foresee painful consequences.
Apart from generating a complex smokescreen of curtains and diversions, these scandalous statements and remarks apparently reinforce support from the core voter base. However, at the international level, the conclusion that America is no longer concerned about democracy but instead opts for corporate pragmatism is already taking hold.
Thus, right now, the repercussions for a major power’s reputation are enormous: trust in the United States, built up over many years, is visibly cracking. Moreover, we see vast fragmentation of the public. For example, in the hottest topics, recent polls reveal:
- 57% of Americans oppose the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the U.S., 17% support it, and 26% couldn’t give a definitive answer.
- 49% of Americans oppose the annexation of Greenland, 19% support it, and 32% remain undecided.
- 85% of Greenlanders don’t want their island to become part of the United States, 6% support the idea, and 9% remain undecided.
Also noteworthy is data from within the Republican Party supporter base: 26% supported Trump’s goal of turning Canada into the 51st state of the U.S., while 34% supported the idea of establishing control over Greenland.
The mere fact that issues calling into question the existence or sovereignty of independent states are being discussed at the highest level is utterly wild. Such symptoms point to the work of unscrupulous political and media strategists on Trump’s team who have replaced more experienced and principled communication specialists. They juggle “ammunition belts,” while the press explodes daily with headlines. Here’s a fresh example:
- “Trump Expresses Anger at Putin as Ukraine Talks Make Little Progress” (WSJ).
- «President Trump ‘pissed off’ at Putin, threatens stiff tariffs on oil over Ukraine war demands» (New York Post).
- «Trump ‘running out of patience’ with Putin over Ukraine ceasefire» (The Guardian).
Added to these are recent statements about possible bombings of Iran if Tehran refuses a new nuclear deal. On one hand, such harsh measures demonstrate strength, but on the other—they sow worldwide anxiety. Hence a rational question arises: Does the U.S. truly have a clear position, or is this just saber-rattling to mask a lack of real policy? This same effect extends to Ukraine as well: while Trump (or other administration figures) threaten Russia with tariffs or sanctions, Putin steps up the shelling of Ukrainian cities, and talk of “warnings to the Kremlin” hangs in the air.
A Minerals Deal or a “Colonial Agreement”?
According to leaks disseminated by various media outlets, a “minerals deal” between the U.S. and Ukraine is also mentioned—resembling the one Donald Trump allegedly proposed in exchange for continuing military aid. Essentially, under this document, the U.S. gains near-exclusive control over Ukraine’s key resources—from oil and gas extraction to defense technologies. Ukrainians pay with loans, and if they fail to repay them on time, they cede their mineral resources and strategic infrastructure to American control.
For the scarred, battered average Ukrainian, this sounds like looting dressed up as friendly assistance. If Ukraine once received actual help and was grateful for it, it now sees how a noble cause is turning into corporate commerce, with a publicly cold and ultimatum-like rhetoric and lines about a “warning regarding loss of sovereignty” in the documents.
Why Ukraine Will Still Fight
The most dangerous scenario is when America’s symbolic image as the “leader of the free world” becomes so broken that no one believes anymore in the sincerity of democratic ideals and human rights. Yet most ordinary Americans still support Ukraine—people send donations, take part in charity projects, and rally in the streets to show their support.
There is no evidence of any final decision to “abandon Ukraine”—the Pentagon’s funding is increasing, and Congress overall remains united in supporting the fight against Russian aggression. Nonetheless, cold notes, mixed signals, and a noticeably “rude” manner of speaking trigger panic and fuel anti-American sentiment among those who once saw the U.S. as an unconditional ally.
Ukrainians simply have no option but to stand firm. This will remain the case even if Washington ultimately decides to distance itself from “others’” wars. Doing so demands resolve, robust partnerships in Europe, Asia, and throughout the world. At long last, it’s clear just how small our planet is—after all, possible routes forward can be counted. And while the world’s leaders’ eyebrows remain raised high, the entire world awaits America’s awakening. Ukraine, though at a terrible price, will live to see that moment, preserving its Independence.
Author: Lukian Selskyi