WARREN, Michigan (FOX 2) – Some Ukrainian leaders in Michigan had a mixed reaction to former President Donald Trump poised to return to the White House after his re-election.

Andrey Duzyj of the Ukrainian Congressional Committee in Detroit says his reaction “is suppressed at this time.”

Metro Detroit is home to more than 30,000 Ukrainians, and many are worried about how a new Trump administration could affect the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“He’s on record for saying he can end special operations and we’d like to see that,” he said. “But we would also like to see the Russians get off Ukrainian soil.”

The current conflict in Ukraine began in 2022, when Russian military forces entered the country.

“We are very nervous about the support that the United States will give to Ukraine,” he said.

Under the Biden administration, Ukraine has received more than $100 billion since the January 2022 Russian invasion. Ukrainians in Metro Detroit hope that support will continue under the Trump administration.

“Some of the statements that have been made are based on his belief that we can hand over some land for peace,” Duzyj said. “And I don’t think that’s going to happen, and I don’t think that’s an accurate assessment of the situation.”

And as Mr. Trump prepares to take office, Ukrainian leaders here in Metro Detroit say they have a message for him.

“We cannot allow Putin to win this,” he said. “We can’t because it won’t stop.”

Andrei Duzyj. VP, Ukrainian Congressional Committee, Detroit Chapter