We should not let this day pass without acknowledging the character of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or without thanking him for a graceful and courageous public act.
We live in barbaric times, under the constant threat of tyranny in a way that connects us with much of how most of the world has lived. Amid the flood of anger and vanity, and the drumbeat of lower primate behaviors rewarded with clicks and loyalty emboldened by hatred – we remain on heightened alert for that one sign – however fleeting, however distant – of humanity.
Today, Zelenskyy embodied that precious spirit, in the truest public sense, as he demonstrated composure, conviction, duty in protecting the people of Ukraine and the mission of their fight, and the courageous expression of fact – not fiction – to make his case directly to power and more than just the dreadful suggestion of power collusion.
We live in these ominous times with a deepened sense of commitment to those prized human structures we created – by the grace of God – to safeguard human freedom. Zelenskyy right now stands beside those in the history of our human tribe, who have paid a terrible price to show the world a sacred meaning.
“Zelenskyy came to Washington and was expected to sign a deal that would give the United States access to Ukrainian rare earth and critical minerals. But the heated session — with raised voices and cross talk playing out in front of TV cameras — left the future of the negotiations uncertain.”
In the presence of United States President Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance lectured Zelenskyy about the projected benefit to his country of Trump “diplomacy,” and upbraided him for a lack of obsequious gratitude, as though our American capacity to broker a peace should depend on Zelenskyy kowtowing to Trump.
The aggressor and invader in the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted, said Zelenskyy. “He broke the ceasefire,” he told America’s leaders at the White House. “He killed our people. … What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What do you mean?”
In the meeting, Trump kept insisting on “an immediate ceasefire,” but the Ukranian President wants greater security as part of any deal to end the three-year war.
“Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country,” Vance said.
“During the war, everybody has problems, even you,” Zelenskyy told the vice president. “But you have nice ocean and don’t feel now. But you will feel it in the future. God bless, you will not have war.”
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” said Trump, who throughout boasted of his toughness, displayed anger, chastised Zelenskyy, talked down to him, and repeatedly attacked his predecessor in the White House.
Consistently, the Ukrainian President responded with poise, in a respectful tone, no less sharpened by the suffering of his country at the hands of a ruthless dictator and empire builder, as Zelenskyy insisted on defying a false equivalency between the two warring nations and using facts – not the cozy language of power to protect power – to combat a siege of misinformation.
Trump kept pointing out that “he is in the middle of the mess” and wants to seize on an opportunity to talk to Putin to resolve the killing. But without substantial security guarantees for his long-suffering people, Zelenskyy knows he must be careful – and on high alert – as he resists a tyrant in Putin whom Trump just today referred to as someone with whom Trump has gone through a “hell of a lot.”
There are 46,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers over there in a war Putin started, not to mention the innocents, but Trump and Putin have been through a lot together as fellow victims of the Democratic Party.
Remember, that on the campaign trail last year, Trump said he would “encourage Russia to attack any Nato member that fails to pay its bills as part of the Western military alliance.” Just this month, he also called the democratically elected Zelenskyy “a dictator,” and claimed (falsely) that Ukraine – not Russia – started the war. Moreover, Trump greenlighted unconditional talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, without the presence of Ukraine.
From Politico:
“Trump gave Putin generous concessions on NATO and Ukrainian territory to Russia before the talks even started. He could have demanded a Russian ceasefire as a precondition to the first talks between the two sides’ top diplomats. He didn’t. In fact, there were apparently no preconditions at all.”
“Dealmaking” rendered in the private sector of so-called titans, assumes a cartoonish quality, a feeble vanity, and truly pales, as it did earlier on this very day, alongside something as deeply sensitive as even just a single human life living in a warzone forged by an imperial aggressor, the freedom that Ukranian man or woman stands for, and the degree to which it finds deeper resonance within the human family, and a common will to protect it, only if we recognize the front line of resistance.
Whatever happens tomorrow, a leader showed up today at the White House. Battle-tested. His name is Zelenskyy. Maybe others can learn from such a show of strength and toughness – and justice – hard won, hopefully by close proximity. At this point, one can only pray. Thank you, Mr. President of Ukraine, from an American.
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As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, many people around the world are turning to prayer as a source of comfort and hope for the country and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In times of uncertainty and conflict, seeking divine intervention is a common practice for believers of all faiths.
President Zelenskyy has been at the forefront of the crisis in Ukraine, facing threats from Russia and internal political challenges. As he navigates these difficult circumstances, many are lifting him up in prayer, asking for protection and blessings from God.
Prayers for Ukraine often focus on peace, stability, and unity for the country. People pray for an end to violence and bloodshed, and for leaders to make wise decisions that will lead to a peaceful resolution. They also pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Specific prayers for President Zelenskyy include asking for wisdom, courage, and strength as he leads his country through this challenging time. People pray for his protection from harm and for God’s guidance in his decision-making. They also pray for his health and well-being, as the stress of leadership can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health.
In addition to praying for Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, many are also taking action to support the country in other ways. This may include donating to humanitarian organizations, raising awareness about the situation, or advocating for political solutions to the conflict.
Ultimately, whether through prayer or action, the goal is the same: to bring peace, protection, and blessings to Ukraine and its people. As believers come together in solidarity, they hope that their collective efforts will make a difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis.
