A Sound of Trump

 

The cognitive dissonance surrounding Trump’s potential return to the White House leaves more than a bad taste—it brings a cascade of bleak emotions: 1) A sense of hopelessness; 2) A feeling of injustice; 3) The shattering of a familiar worldview; 4) A growing fear for our safety. In Ukraine, we know a thing or two about adversity. Should we feel despair at this prospect? Absolutely. But it’s worth setting a time limit for our grief—say, three days—and then we move forward.

Write your thoughts down, just as I’m doing now. A post about what the election means for you personally, for Ukraine, for a fragile global order. It doesn’t have to be shared, but writing can ease the tension. When that’s done, let’s use the old principle of “Fight or flight.” We won’t battle a legitimately elected leader, so we retreat into any activity that grounds us—spring cleaning, sports, even mountain climbing. This will steady us for the next stage.

Now, we plan life under a Trump regime. His election is in the past, a concrete event. But our future is still ours. We don’t stop dreaming of a post-Trump world, where Ukraine’s autonomy isn’t a bargaining chip. And if his presence redefines the world, our hope persists.

For us in Ukraine, his approach could mean ominous consequences. Trump has spoken about ending the war in one day, even if it means halting military aid to pressure us into surrender. The prospect of him sitting down with Putin to “end” this war is, frankly, surreal. Can we imagine the compromise? Some, even in Russia, understand this. They know Trump was the first to impose sanctions on Russia, the first to send us weapons.

Let’s also not forget Ukraine’s vast resources—an irresistible bait. Our minerals and natural wealth might draw Trump’s focus, adding another layer of complexity. It’s happened before, and it may again. So, we look forward with determination, steady against whatever may come.

Glory to Ukraine!