Fact Check: "Grandy volunteered in Ukraine due to dismay over Trump's lack of support for Kyiv."
What We Know
Fred Grandy, a 62-year-old American artist, traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, in May 2025 to volunteer in the aftermath of Russian attacks. His family has stated that he was motivated by his dismay over the perceived lack of support from the United States under former President Donald Trump towards Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to his sister, Sietska Reed, Grandy felt strongly that the U.S. should not abandon Ukraine and was deeply affected by the situation, believing that "you just don’t let a bully do that stuff, and you don’t just abandon people" (New York Times). Tragically, Grandy was killed during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv on June 17, 2025, marking him as the first American civilian casualty in such an attack (Kyiv Independent).
Analysis
The claim that Grandy volunteered in Ukraine due to his dismay over Trump's lack of support is supported by multiple credible sources. His sister explicitly stated that he was upset with Trump's treatment of Ukraine and the withdrawal of military support, which aligns with the broader context of U.S. foreign policy during Trump's presidency (New York Times, Kyiv Independent).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include reputable news organizations like the New York Times and Kyiv Independent, which have extensive coverage of the Ukraine conflict and its implications. The New York Times article provides direct quotes from family members, adding a personal dimension that enhances the credibility of the information. Furthermore, the details surrounding Grandy's death and his motivations are corroborated across multiple reports, including those from the Kyiv Independent and other outlets (UNN, Yahoo News).
While some may argue that motivations for volunteering can be complex and multifaceted, the consistent narrative from Grandy's family emphasizes his discontent with U.S. policy under Trump as a significant factor in his decision to volunteer in Ukraine. The emotional weight of his sister's statements adds to the authenticity of this claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that Fred Grandy volunteered in Ukraine due to his dismay over Donald Trump's lack of support for Kyiv. His family members have articulated this sentiment clearly, and the circumstances surrounding his decision to volunteer are well-documented in reliable news sources.
