‘The United States Has Switched Sides in this War’
Fallout swift following White House shouting match with Zelenskyy
The fallout was swift and strong after the White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which turned into an unprecedented public confrontation between the Ukrainian leader and Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy was in Washington DC as Trump has been trying to wind down the three-year-old Russian invasion of Ukraine.
But the meeting quickly devolved into startling acrimony as Trump and Vice President JD Vance took turns belittling and berating the man who has led his country through Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s brutal assault on democratic Ukraine.
It was a disturbing and shocking change for Zelenskyy and Ukraine, who had enjoyed steadfast support from former President Joe Biden.
Lawmakers and others were quick to denounce Trump’s behavior after the spat played out live on national television.
Fourteen Democratic governors released a joint statement condemning what occurred: “Donald Trump and JD Vance used the sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelensky for not trusting Vladimir Putin’s word. Americans must protect our strong democratic values on the world stage instead of undermining President Zelensky’s work to fight for his nation and the freedom of his people after being invaded by Russia.”
Ben Rhodes, a former deputy White House national security advisor for President Barack Obama, put the confrontation in even starker terms.
“I think the us is no longer a part of the free world, Chris,” Rhodes said in an appearance on MSNBC host Chris Hayes’ program. “And what we saw is not like a shift in US policy. What we saw was not a disagreement in the Oval Office. What we saw was not political theatrics. What we saw is that the United States has switched sides in this war.
“The United States is on the side of Russia. the United States will brook no criticism of Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office of the United States,” he added. “The American president is only interested in dictating to Ukraine the terms of its surrender to Russia.”
Democratic Sen Mark Kelly, of Arizona, said that he met with Zelenskyy following the angry encounter to offer words of encouragement.
“Hey folks, just met with President Zelenskyy a little while ago, told him how I feel the American people are really behind him in this struggle and Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, and Putin is a war criminal, should be in prison,” Kelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, said in an online video. “I also told him I’m a little uncomfortable that this now appears to be like sort of a business transaction. We’re about to celebrate our 250th birthday as a country. 250 years. That’s exciting. We’ve always been a country of values and principles.
“I’m a little concerned that this has gotten a little bit off track. But at the same time, Zelenskyy needs to do what is in the best interest of his country and his people, and I get that, and I hope this conflict comes to an end very, very soon.”
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