The world has suddenly changed: for the worse: but now things are more clear
From The Guardian
Trump and Vance tried to beat up a war hero on live TV and ended up looking like the shittiest little bullies on earth while also losing their coveted minerals deal with Zelensky. Even filtered through print, it was grotesque and degrading to witness. Shameful for this country. And it made Russia very happy.
I admire Zelensky immensely--he has stood strong, rallying his country, facing a powerful invading army that greatly outnumbers Ukraine's own, facing threats to his personals safety and calls to surrender, living amid bombs and carnage, building global support as best he can. And using his background as an actor to until now tolerate the crap that comes at him from Putin's #1 puppet.
Trump and Vance weren't even just trying to extort him; they were demanding personal submission, which is a reminder that everything they do is first of all about their sad sleazy insatiable egos; and they were both demanding answers and interrupting and talking over him when he answered. They are not building power but spending it as though it is inexhaustible, and they will spend it down to nothing.
[For the record, Zelensky has thanked the US and Biden many times, when the US was actually Ukraine's ally. Vance was demanding gratitude while taking away any reason for it.]
The absymal behavior has further rallied Europe behind Ukraine with powerful statements by Macron, Poland's Donald Tusk, and:
The Guardian: European leaders rally behind Ukraine's Zelenskyy after Trump spat
The Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre is the latest European leader to offer his support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine as he says this:
We stand by Ukraine in their fair struggle for a just and lasting peace.
The Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said:
Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini!
The Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda has also joined in:
Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.
… and the Irish foreign minister Simon Harris:
Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine.
Their comments come after earlier expression of support from Poland’s Tusk, Spain’s Sanchez, and France’s Macron.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has joined the list of European leaders offering their support and solidarity to Ukraine after the clash between Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy.
He has just posted a social media update saying:
Ucrania, España está contigo.
Ukraine, Spain stands with you.
Україно, Іспанія з тобою.
