Yesterday, the President of the United States all but explicitly renounced America’s alliance with democratic countries around the world during a televised meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. In an ignoble display of disrespect for the long-suffering Ukrainian people and their leader, he showered the Ukrainian President with a torrent of criticism while echoing one Russian propaganda point after another.
The American Vice President enthusiastically piled on, suggesting that it was Mr. Zelensky who was being disrespectful for reminding his hosts about the history of Russian aggression against Ukraine that began in 2014 with Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea. When asked whether he had ever even been to Ukraine to see the problems there, a flustered Mr. Vance replied weakly, "I've been... I've actually seen and watched the stories."
The episode followed an unprecedented American “No” vote in the UN on Monday, rejecting a resolution condemning Russian aggression and expansionism on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
As the meeting ended and the Ukrainian delegation was ordered to leave the White House, shocked European leaders quickly pledged their continued support for Ukraine as they struggle to defend themselves from the Russian onslaught.
The New York Times reported that statements praising President Zelensky and reiterating their commitment to the embattled nation came from France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Ireland.
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people,” Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said on social media, referring to Mr. Zelensky. “Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.”
In addition to the Europeans, Canada, Australia and New Zealand joined the chorus of support.
With American government assistance for Ukraine suddenly in doubt, social media activists leapt into action Friday afternoon. Among various projects needing donations, these were suggested by historian Tim Snyder on his Substack site:
Come Back Alive (Ukrainian NGO that supports soldiers on the battlefield and veterans),
United 24 (the Ukrainian state platform for donations, with many excellent projects),
RAZOM (an American NGO, tax-deductible for US citizens, which cooperates with Ukrainian NGOS to support civilians), and
Documenting Ukraine (a project that helps to give Ukrainians a voice, also tax-deductible for Americans).
In the comment sections, several angry and embarrassed readers urged people to contact the Ukrainian embassy and apologize to President Zelensky:
Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky, Embassy of Ukraine, 3350 M. St. NW, Washington DC 20007 — Email: emb_us@mfa.gov.ua — Telphone: 202-349-2963
One reader, Cricket Halsey shared what she had written to the President:
Dear President Zelensky and Friends,
Please know that the appallingly rude, cruel, and provocative behavior of the U.S. president and vice president do not reflect the sentiments of a majority of American people. I am so sorry you were treated with such disrespect and disdain. For now, and perhaps for the foreseeable future, those of us whose hearts are on your side and who wish to support you will need to find other avenues. I am helping to circulate links to United24 and to Razom for Ukraine. I will donate tomorrow when our financial boycott (protesting our government’s unlawful actions) is over.
I hope that Europe will do everything possible to defend you. Please never forget that our current government does not reflect our nation’s true values and loyalties. I wish you safety, peace, and prosperity as soon as possible, and justice first. You are on the right side of history, and I admire your courage and willingness to stand firm and speak truth to abusive power.
With apologies and deep respect,
This is a network of ordinary citizens. In a democracy, we exercise our power by raising our voices. To be silent is to be powerless.
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