Polis declares ‘Slava Ukraini!’ as Zelenskyy makes plea to US governors
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DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis declared support for Ukraine and was pictured next to Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at a meeting of the National Governors Association, where the Ukrainian president urged continued aid for the war-torn country.
Colorado’s governor sat next to Zelenskyy during a meeting at the association’s summer gathering in Salt Lake City, where Polis was elected as chair after previously serving as vice chair for the group.
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Polis posted a picture of the two on social media with the caption: “Слава Україні! Slava Ukraini!” That’s Ukraine’s national salute, which means “glory to Ukraine.”
A later statement from Polis reads:
Colorado stands in solidarity with the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their home and their freedom against Putin’s aggression. The United States plays a critical role in supporting our international allies, and Governors appreciated the opportunity to have a candid conversation with President Zelenskyy on the efforts to beat Putin and restore democracy to every part of Ukraine, and we reiterated our full support as Ukraine stands up against Russia’s attack on global security and stability.
In Zelenskyy’s 13-minute address, he made his case for continued aid from the U.S.
“The only thing we ask for is sufficient support — air defense systems for our cities, weapons for our men and women on the frontline, support in protecting normal life and rebuilding,” Zelenskyy told the governors. “This is all we need to withstand and drive Russia from our land and to send a strong signal to all other potential aggressors which are watching.”
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Zelenskyy’s plea came days after NATO leaders met in the U.S. capital and pledged more help for Ukraine.
While governors do not vote on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s appearance showed his willingness to connect with other leaders in the U.S. to plead his country’s case.
He got a warm welcome, introduced to cheers and thunderous applause by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican and the outgoing National Governors Association chairman.
“There are things that happen in world affairs. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who the good guys and the bad guys are. This is not one of those times,” Cox said.
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Cox and Zelenskyy signed a trade agreement between Utah and the Kyiv region. Several governors of both parties pledged in a closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian leader to urge their states’ wealthiest people to give humanitarian aid, said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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