Trump/Zelensky interview in the White House

I'm with Grannygravy13 too.

Having a father who served in both wars, uncles in the Forces in WW2, brothers and a husband who were service personnel, I think we know better than some about service humour (barrack room humour).
All lovely, compassionate and kind men who might have been shocked by some of the things they saw and experienced but it in no way hardened them or de-humanised them as you claim, Claremont.

These men were kind, gentle, strong and hugely influential in shaping my personality, my core beliefs in equality, compassion, determination, loyalty and more.
Like those in my family Iam64. Decent men, all of them, men with a moral compass.

I think apologies might be in order.

Claremont just for the record UK military personnel are not trained to think that their enemy are sub human vermin

You really have overstepped both your knowledge and common decency.

As the mother of a son who served in Afghanistan and Iraq (and fortunately returned to us safe and sound), I also find those comments offensive.

Measured response GG13 as ever. 👏

GrannyGravy13

Claremont just for the record UK military personnel are not trained to think that their enemy are sub human vermin

You really have overstepped both your knowledge and common decency.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

ViceVersa

As the mother of a son who served in Afghanistan and Iraq (and fortunately returned to us safe and sound), I also find those comments offensive.

As did ours, and I am forever thankful 🙏

Claremont

De-humanisation, and the use of grief to de-humanise some more.

Are you speaking from experience, Claremont?

I am wondering if any of your family perhaps returned from WW2 having been prisoners of war, perhaps, and were changed by that, *Claremont?
If so, I'm sorry if it caused you misery.

GrannyGravy13

Claremont just for the record UK military personnel are not trained to think that their enemy are sub human vermin

You really have overstepped both your knowledge and common decency.

I agree GG. I find Claremont’s post not only completely lacking in knowledge but very distasteful, and abusive towards those who serve in our armed forces.

"The Kremlin has praised what it perceives as the U.S.'s foreign policy shift, claiming on March 2 that it "aligns" with its "vision" after U.S. President Donald Trump's public dispute with President Volodymyr Zelensky."

This is from the Kyiv Independent and apparently aligns with a report in Russia Today.

GrannyGravy13

Claremont just for the record UK military personnel are not trained to think that their enemy are sub human vermin

You really have overstepped both your knowledge and common decency.

GrannyGravy13 I'm so sorry you've had to read such offensive and inaccurate posts. I thank your son and the sons of others who have been prepared to put their lives on the line in the defence of us and justice.
Those who like to criticise and insult the military and the police are usually the first to expect them to take action when it comes to their personal safety.

These are scary times, and many people's anxiety levels will be high, which can make them say things they might not have done otherwise.

I very much hope that there is no need for anyone's sons (or daughters) to fight, but if it comes to that I am grateful for the people who give their service to protect the rest of us.

Well in the end it has worked out very well. It has shown Trump and Vance as the loud mouthed rude bullies that they are who say they "give" aid to countries when they mean they send over the minimum amount of begrudged assistance and then claim payment of them of the minerals of that country. Some gift that was!!!

However it the also showed real statesmanlike behaviour once again from President Zelensky - who if Trump wanted to see how dignified and decent a president should be could take a lot of lessons from!! Fortunately it also gave Britian the chance to step back from toadying up to Trump and was glad to see Starmer welcoming Zelensky in a proper manner and the many people wanting to back Ukraine too. So we now see Putin and Trump as we have always known them as despots, thinking the whole world is there to give them what they want and being prepared to behave in the most despicable way to get it. So another triumph to Zelensky as even the americans themselves cannot ignore the appalling behaviour of the man meant to represent them and hope they feel ashamed of ever having put him into the white house. Fancy wanting a criminal, deluded, selfish , greedy bully as a president!!!

I suppose ( in this country at least) the armed forces are a career choice.

How dare Trump expect an apology from Zelenskyy???

What on earth has Zelenskyy got to apologise for!

How differently people are seeing it in the US! The Washington Post says he should apologise but in a 4000 strong reader survey it was

"What readers are saying
The overwhelming sentiment in the comments is that Zelensky should not apologize to Trump, as many view the situation as a setup orchestrated by Trump and Vance. Commenters express strong disapproval of Marc Thiessen's opinion, suggesting that Trump, not Zelensky, should apologize or resign. Zelensky is largely seen as a brave leader, while Trump and his allies are criticized for their actions and perceived alignment with Russia".

Zelensky has said he is ready to sign the deal, I'm not clear whats going on beyond that, except ideas are coming out of France for a one month cease fire. (just ideas atm)

Was it an oped piece Wyllow? if so, Bezos has changed the political focus and has a new Trump friend editor in place as the old one resigned.

I would love to know the details of the agreement Z is signing with America. For example, is there a date specified for drilling to start? As we know, mining can’t happen in a war zone so is it an open agreement that in some vague unknown time drilling will start?
And what did Z mean in his interview with LK that he hadn’t been ready to sign the agreement over minerals at his last meeting with Trump? What were the sticking points? Z is ready now apparently.

To be fair, I propose that the next meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump and Vance be held in Ukraine, and conducted in the Ukrainian language.

foxie48

Was it an oped piece Wyllow? if so, Bezos has changed the political focus and has a new Trump friend editor in place as the old one resigned.

I don't know, CNN quoted it, it does seem out of sync with the Washington Posts general line.

What were the sticking points?

I understood that the sticking point was the US failing to guarantee Ukraine's security (i.e carry on supporting it militarily if needed). It was a bum deal for Ukraine.

LizzieDrip

How dare Trump expect an apology from Zelenskyy???

What on earth has Zelenskyy got to apologise for!

Classic in domestic abuse - the look what you made me do tactic. I only hit you because you made me. Apologise to me for winding me up

I thought he would likely sign.

For me, the writing was on the wall when the NATO secretary General, or whatever he is called, told Zelensky to go back to Trump and sort things out.

I would hope that Zelensky, and presumably his aides, are very careful about what exactly they sign.

ronib

I would love to know the details of the agreement Z is signing with America. For example, is there a date specified for drilling to start? As we know, mining can’t happen in a war zone so is it an open agreement that in some vague unknown time drilling will start?
And what did Z mean in his interview with LK that he hadn’t been ready to sign the agreement over minerals at his last meeting with Trump? What were the sticking points? Z is ready now apparently.

The sticking point arrived when Trump told Zelensky to leave the White House. The Ukrainian party asked for the meeting to continue. The White House refused.

That's my understanding too Maizie.

Great post madeleine, I agree with everything you've said .

Depending on the number of years needed to continue support, this could be a bum deal for America if American boots were needed.