Kira Rudik: Trump Must Witness Ukraine’s Reality Before Trusting Putin’s Peace Claims

Ukrainian Parliament member Kira Rudik stated on Monday that any plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine must ultimately be approved by her fellow parliamentarians, emphasizing that no agreement can be legitimate without democratic consent.

During her remarks, Rudik highlighted the potential impact of President Donald Trump visiting Ukraine, noting such a trip would allow him to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russian invasion and hear directly from Ukrainians who have lost their homes, families, and livelihoods.

“Well, of course, having President Trump in Ukraine will be a huge deal first because he will be able to see firsthand what Russia has done to our country,” Rudik said.

She added that an in-person visit would force a confrontation with the reality on the ground rather than relying on what she described as misleading narratives from Moscow.

Rudik accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying about his intentions to pursue peace, pointing out that attacks on Ukrainian cities continue during supposed negotiation efforts. “Every time there is a round of negotiation, Putin keeps attacking our cities, trying to kill as many people as possible,” she stated, specifically citing strikes on critical energy infrastructure.

At the time of her interview, Rudik noted conditions in Kyiv remained dire, with many residents having access to electricity for only two or three hours a day and others without heat or running water.

These hardships, she argued, directly contradict Putin’s claims that he wants to end the war and see Ukraine thrive. “This is happening at the same time when Putin is telling President Trump that he’s ready to end the war and that he wants to see Ukraine prosperous,” Rudik said. “So it’s obviously a lie.”

Rudik also framed the situation as a test of credibility on the global stage, stating that the international community is watching how Putin communicates with American leadership. She believes a visit by Trump could significantly influence opinions within Ukraine’s Parliament when voting on proposed peace agreements.

“Unfortunately, we are right now very far from that point because there is no agreed deal as of right now,” Rudik said. “Any resolution must be transparent, credible, and approved through Ukraine’s democratic institutions.”