Gov. Bob Ferguson affirmed his support for Ukraine alongside a group of Democratic governors following a tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
The Democratic Governors Association released a statement Friday condemning the way Trump and Vice President JD Vance argued with Zelenskyy.
“Donald Trump and JD Vance used the sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelenskyy for not trusting Vladimir Putin’s word,” the statement read. “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. We, along with millions of Americans, stand united with the Ukrainian people.”
As of late Friday afternoon, 17 of the party’s 23 governors had signed the statement.
Ferguson affirmed his support for the country on X in a post reading, “Our state stands strong with Washington’s Ukrainian community.”
Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House was to finalize a minerals deal Ukraine hoped would strengthen its relationship with the United States as Ukraine’s war against Russia continues. During the meeting, Trump scolded Zelenskyy and told him he is in a powerless position.
Trump shouted at the Ukrainian leader, accusing him of “gambling with World War III.” Zelenskyy was asked to leave, and did so without signing the deal.
Afterward, reporters asked Trump what Zelenskyy could do to restart talks.
“He’s got to say, I want to make peace,” Trump said. “He doesn’t have to stand there and say about Putin this, Putin that, all negative things.”
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