LANSING, Mich. — A coalition of U.S. governors has issued a statement in staunch support of Ukraine, following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and prominent American political figures. The statement, shared Friday on X (formerly Twitter), was a response to a tense back-and-forth involving former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, in which both figures criticized Zelenskyy’s approach to dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The governors condemned the remarks made by Trump and Vance, who used the esteemed Oval Office to berate President Zelenskyy for what they perceived as a lack of trust in Putin’s word. In their response, the governors underscored the importance of defending democratic values on the global stage, particularly in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We 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,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrote in her post on X. “We, along with millions of Americans, stand united with the Ukrainian people.”
Whitmer’s statement resonated with many, as it highlighted the ongoing struggle Ukraine faces against Russian aggression, and called for American solidarity with the country. Along with Whitmer, other governors from across the United States rallied behind Ukraine, making it clear that their support for the nation in its time of need was unwavering.
The governors who joined in expressing support for Ukraine included Laura Kelly of Kansas, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Bob Ferguson of Washington, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Kathy Hochul of New York, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Janet Mills of Maine, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Josh Stein of North Carolina, and Tim Walz of Minnesota.
The statement from these governors also highlighted the role of the United States in maintaining global stability and upholding values of freedom and democracy. The international community has largely condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and many American leaders, including the governors who spoke out on Friday, continue to call for continued diplomatic and military support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
While the debate surrounding U.S. support for Ukraine remains a contentious issue in the political landscape, Friday’s statement from the governors signals a continued commitment by state leaders to stand by Ukraine in its fight against foreign aggression.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it remains clear that this coalition of governors intends to champion the cause of democracy, freedom, and international cooperation, reinforcing that their support for Ukraine will not waver.
