Statement of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer on President Zelenskyy's Meeting with White House

I was deeply disturbed by President Trump and Vice President Vance’s bullying behavior towards Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and our democratic ally of Ukraine on Friday. I am concerned that the repercussions will damage our relationship with Ukraine. For over three years, the Ukrainian people have been the victim of Russia’s attacks on its people. New York State is committed to doing everything in its power to assist the Ukrainian people, and despite the White House’s lack of empathy, New York stands firm in its unequivocal support for Ukraine. It is unprecedented for the leaders of the United States to treat our allies with such disrespect. The only acceptable outcome is for the White House to apologize to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, who have endured aggression from Putin and Russia, and for them to affirm support for a fellow sovereign, democratic nation.