Trudeau voices support for Ukraine following tense Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced his support for Ukraine following a tense meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that went completely off the rails. The meeting, which took place at the White House on Friday, saw Trump and Vice-President JD Vance berating Zelenskyy as they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, access to critical minerals, and a potential ceasefire with Russia.
In a statement on X, Trudeau expressed his solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty. He stated, “For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”
Trudeau’s sentiments were echoed by multiple European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, who also showed their support for Ukraine on social media.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the importance of including security guarantees for Ukraine in any ceasefire deal, warning that a lack of such guarantees could leave Ukraine vulnerable to re-arming and potential invasion by Russia. She reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy.
Following the heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, Joly emphasized the need for strong G7 unity in the face of unpredictability and chaos. She stated, “Our goal is to make sure we can continue to support Ukrainians and that we can keep very strong G7 unity amidst all this unpredictability.”
During the meeting, the conversation between the two presidents became increasingly tense, with Vance and Trump accusing Zelenskyy of disrespect and urging him to be more thankful for American support. Zelenskyy, in turn, emphasized the need for security guarantees in any ceasefire agreement.
After the meeting, Trump took to social media to accuse Zelenskyy of not wanting peace, while Zelenskyy thanked America for its support and reiterated his commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other political leaders also expressed their support for Ukraine and condemned the treatment of Zelenskyy during the meeting.
The exchange between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents drew strong reactions from various political leaders and organizations, with many condemning the treatment of Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress called the meeting “one of the most disgraceful things we have ever witnessed from a U.S. administration,” while emphasizing that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that does not want peace.
Despite the tense exchange, Zelenskyy’s delegation was expected to sign an economic agreement with the U.S. aimed at financing the reconstruction of war-damaged Ukraine. The deal, seen as a step toward ending the war, references the importance of Ukraine’s security.
As the world watches the situation in Ukraine unfold, it is clear that the international community stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. The support from leaders like Trudeau and others sends a strong message that Ukraine’s struggle is not just its own, but one that resonates with people around the globe who value peace, democracy, and sovereignty.
