Trump's push for a quick peace with Moscow while sidelining Ukraine has caused fear among many Ukrainians and their allies. But front-line troops say they are determined to fight on, citing three years of bitter sacrifices and the loss of tens of thousands of comrades-in-arms.

To see an American president betray Ukraine like this is really beyond words,” said Mary Kalyna, who is active in the Philadelphia Ukrainian community.

Russia’s attempt to blame Ukraine, which Trump has now parroted, is part of a longstanding argument that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.