'Disastrous': Some voters are 'disgusted' in this deep red Trump enclave — here's why

Roxanne Cooper
02 March
Donald Trump gestures at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., December 22, 2024.

The president and vice president's meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky sparked mixed reactions, ranging from support to outrage among Ukrainian-Americans, in Brooklyn, according to a report in the New York Times.

Brighton Beach, a Slavic enclave in Brooklyn where Ukrainians outnumber Russians two to one, has historically been a stronghold for President Trump's support. However, following the recent White House meeting where Trump reportedly criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine—signaling a shift in Mr. Trump's support for Ukraine—opinions among Ukrainian New Yorkers have become divided.

Igor Moshchinsky, 61, a Trump voter, expressed mixed feelings at a Brighton Beach Avenue café: "His approach may come across a bit too aggressive," he said of Mr. Trump, "But I don't disagree with the content of Mr. Trump's criticisms of Mr. Zelensky."

Local city councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican and Trump supporter, attempted to navigate the delicate situation, according to the Times. She posted on social media that the meeting's consequences "could be disastrous" for both countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperation: "Working together to end this war and help the people of Ukraine restore their safety and sovereignty is in the best interests of both of our countries and the world."

Inna Kir, 58, a Ukrainian immigrant and lingerie shop owner on Brighton Beach Avenue, strongly supported Mr. Trump's stance. "I absolutely agree with the tough line Mr. Trump has taken against Mr. Zelensky," she stated, echoing Trump's criticism about Zelensky's perceived lack of gratitude for American aid. "I think he should appreciate what people do for him. It's our money," said Ms. Kir, who became a U.S. citizen three decades ago.

However, not all of the approximately 150,000 Ukrainian New Yorkers share this view. In Manhattan's East Village, another Ukrainian enclave, Trump's critics expressed shock at his approach.

Ivan Makar, 52, principal of the Self-Reliance Saturday School of Ukrainian Studies on East Sixth Street, didn't mince words: "I've never been so disgusted with the president of this country." Mr. Makar, whose family fled Ukraine seeking security, found the meeting deeply upsetting. "It was typical bully behavior, and Zelensky stood up to the bullies," he asserted. "As a Ukrainian, I'm proud. As an American, I'm disgusted."

Jason Birchard, 58, owner of the renowned Ukrainian restaurant Veselka in the East Village, demonstrated his support for Zelensky by wearing a T-shirt featuring the tryzub, Ukraine's national symbol. "I've worn this shirt many times over the last three years, and I made sure to dig deep into the closet today and pull it out because I really want to back Zelensky," Mr. Birchard explained as customers lined up outside his restaurant.

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