With the disgraceful way Trump and Vance treated Zelinski last time, I don't blame him for bringing a posse with him.

[Chasstev365]

Backing Zelinski up:

"The offices of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said they would travel to Washington on Monday to meet with Trump. They will be joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to Reuters."

So Democrats and media: Here is how to frame Trump from now on: "Trump are you with Putin or our Western European Allies; WHICH IS IT?"

[Jilly_in_VA]

1. He should bring a general or two.

Hell, even a fake one. How would the orange slime know the difference? Slap a medal or two on them, he'd never know.

[hlthe2b]

2. Please don't make it sound like Zelensky was intimidated into bringing Euro leaders with him. They DEMANDED

to come (it appears from other accounts I've read) because they believe (with all reason) that Trump intended to stab them in the back as well. He'd already lied to them on the phone call before Alaska.

Zelensky is no coward. Do NOT paint him as one. (I get that you might not have meant to, but I take great offense on his behalf for such insinuations--intentional or not).

[Chasstev365]

3. I wasn't implying Zelinski was weak.

Sorry if you interrupted my post that way.

[twodogsbarking]

10. Your OP was fine.

[NBachers]

13. Yeah, I didn't get the impression you made that implication either.

[writerJT]

4. Please tell President Zelenskyy hello

and keep strong!

[drmeow]

7. Bringing a posse with you

doesn't mean you are weak - it means you know you are dealing with a criminal gang!

[hlthe2b]

8. Of course not. Intelligent. But saying HE was the one to demand the posse is not only wrong but suggests

he is weak--or afraid to stand up to Trump alone or whatever. I won't have that when all I've read disputes that and even common sense (for those who still have it) would make clear the Europeans are pissed as hell and are not trusting Trump AT ALL.

If you can make a case that what I just stated is not true and the Europeans are not demanding to accompany Zelensky, then do so. Otherwise, I am incensed that you, too seem to want to suggest Zelensky is weak. I support Ukraine. I support Zelensky. I support European leadership that likewise supports democracy. PERIOD..

[NBachers]

14. Nope

[drmeow]

15. You and I clearly

have VERY different opinions about what might suggest someone is weak. Honestly, this response says a lot more about YOU than Zelensky. YOU appear to think requesting a posse means someone is weak. I don't - regardless of how or why the posse was put together.

Furthermore NONE of this says anything about supporting or not supporting Zelensky or European leadership.

The poster doth protest too much, methinks!

[hlthe2b]

16. NO! It is exactly the framing TRUMP wants to use to paint Zelensky as weak and you are promoting it.

For gawd's sake, think about it. To not, says a lot about a level of naivete that would have us repeating the WWII response of Chamberlain. Zelensky is the strongest leader we've seen in decades for his people. Don't buy into Trump's framing that he will surely promote over the next days (that per Trump's framing, Zelensky had to go beg European leaders to come with him because he was afraid to face Trump again after the last disastrous appearance. Totally a lie, but that is how Trump will spin it and if you continue to promote that Zelensky asked Europe to come with him, rather than their leaders decisively doing so for their shared protection against Trump, then you've bought into it).

[Doodley]

22. Zelensky totally depends on the help of allied nations. From that point of view, he is weak.

He is a brave man, a hero to his nation, an inspiration to all, an incredible leader, and I respect him for all that, but he needs the support of the European leaders. If they held Trump's position, Ukraine would be long gone. I love that the Euro leaders have united, and are making Trump's position untenable. I would in particular call out UK's Keir Starmer, who should not be polling so far behind the Trump-like Reform Party, as he has shown remarkable leadership.

[hlthe2b]

23. THAT is not the issue at hand. Zelensky did NOT beg these leaders to come with him. THEY are doing so

as a show of strength and to protect THEIR issues every bit as much as those of Ukraine. To suggest they are only their to protect Zelensky from Trump's bullying is just damned bullshit.

Doodley you are misinterpreting everything I've posted. THAT IS NOT the issue I am discussing.

[Doodley]

28. I can't see anywhere that says Zelensky begged them to come. Who is doing the misinterpretation?

[hlthe2b]

29. Not "European leaders are coming as well," but...

"he is bringing a posse with him..." Yes, that is inferred by that wording that he asked them to accompany him for his support, back-up, or defense. You can damned well be sure that is how Trump and his MAGA enablers will paint it.

It isn't true. Most can realize that, but using that language is demeaning to Zelensky, and frankly, I am dismayed that some don't see that. I would guess at least some of the 12 who recommended my original post agree on that score as well.

[MerryBlooms]

25. Even if all abandoned Zelensky, he would not yield

[Doodley]

18. It is just a great strategy when you are up against a bully, whoever suggested it.

[electric_blue68]

20. I didn't take it that way either.

[hlthe2b]

21. That will be the Trump meme (that Zelensky was too scared to face him alone). As I stated, it is NOT true

but Trump/MAGA will use it to try to make Zelensky look weak. That is what I'm saying.

[Doodley]

24. I think this will be an utter shitshow for Trump that will make him look weak BECAUSE of the European leaders. .

[hlthe2b]

26. On that, we agree. n/t

[electric_blue68]

27. Ah, got it. 👍

[Goonch]

5. ;-{)

[oasis]

6. Skip the "red carpet" routine. Strictly business.

[Blue Full Moon]

9. He needs to tell tRump no.

[NoMoreRepugs]

11. TrumpenFuhrer isn't going to handle this well. Good.

[liberalla]

12. I'm glad there's a posse coming. Maybe our (this admin) leaders and "diplomats" will be more measured and respectful in

addressing not only Zelensky and Ukraine, but also the concerns of the entire EU/NATO.

And keep that damn a$$hole vance out of the room!
Doesn't he have another vacation to take or a marriage counseling appt to attend?

[Doodley]

17. I hope Trump doesn't try to separate Zelenkski from the other leaders. If they all stay together, it will be a shitshow

for Trump, which I welcome very much!

[LeftInTX]

19. Bring armies and storm the WH....

Also bring tanks, fighter jets and stage a military parade and haul Trump's ass out of the WH and make him watch it.

[C_U_L8R]

30. Only cowards like Trump gang up on people like that

Doesn't matter whether he's acting up in the Oval Office or a Bergdorf Dressing Room, Trump is a pathetic slime ball.

[Eliot Rosewater]

31. We are now an enemy of NATO and the free world and need to be

Treated accordingly, maybe we will get lucky and someday we will be invaded by Democratic governments to try and save us.