EditUkrainian Nobel laureate: “Weak” Biden deterred Putin better than “strong” Trump
Oleksandra Matviichuk links the surge in civilian deaths to the Trump-led diplomacy which apparently doesn't impress Putin
A Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize laureate has publicly challenged Donald Trump’s claims of strength towards Russia, arguing that Vladimir Putin showed greater restraint under Joe Biden as civilian casualties in Ukraine sharply rise.
Writing on social media human rights campaigner and Nobel Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk said the number of killed and wounded Ukrainian civilians had increased by 31% year-on-year, questioning why the period associated with Trump’s diplomatic engagement had become the deadliest for civilians since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Why Why did Putin not allow himself such brutal strikes on civilian infrastructure under Biden, whom Trump calls “weak,” but totally destroys peaceful cities and disregards the “strong Trump”?” she asked rhetorically.
I am a Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. I have a question.
Why has Trump's year of negotiations been the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion? The number of deaths and injuries has increased by 31 percent compared to the previous year.
Why did… pic.twitter.com/AxHD18FC3f— Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) February 4, 2026
Her remarks come amid controversy over Moscow’s continued strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and cities, causing casualties among civil population.
The debate unfolds as Donald Trump is again openly campaigning for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, this time turning to Europe after failing to secure the award last year. A coordinated appeal, backed by the Israeli Knesset and the US Congress, has reached parliamentary speakers across Europe, triggering sharp criticism among EU member states over Trump desire for Nobel prize nominee.
The latest appeal, initiated by the Speakers of the Israeli Knesset and the US House of Representatives, calls on parliamentary leaders in several countries to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The letter reportedly presents Trump as a “protector of peace” committed to dialogue, diplomacy and global leadership, and claims he has helped end eight conflicts worldwide. Trump himself has repeatedly said he deserves the award.
Trump trolls parliaments across Europe seeking Nobel Peace Prize nomination
On 3 February, Trump said he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to an “energy truce” had been respected. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, stated that Russia had demonstratively ignored the US president’s personal request to limit attacks on energy facilities and that Kyiv was now awaiting Washington’s response.
Who is Oleksandra Matviichuk?
Matviichuk is a Kyiv-based lawyer and human rights defender and one of the most prominent figures in Ukraine’s civil society. She heads the Center for Civil Liberties, an NGO working on human rights protection, the rule of law and democratic reform in Ukraine and across the OSCE region.
She has authored numerous reports submitted to the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the OSCE and the International Criminal Court. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Matviichuk and her team have been documenting war crimes and human rights violations as part of international accountability efforts.
In 2022, the Center for Civil Liberties, under her leadership, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its “outstanding effort to document war crimes, human rights abuses and the abuse of power”. Matviichuk has also received several other international distinctions, including the Right Livelihood Award.
Caption: Human rights campaigner and Nobel Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, Facebook
Updated: February 5, 2026 - 09:49
