Throughout what was a rare round-table with a handful of journalists at Stansted Airport, there was no signal of a bruised Ukrainian president who had simply been publicly battered by Donald Trump.
As a substitute, Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared assured and hopeful as he entered the room.
Seated beside him, I noticed a person who very a lot wished to present the impression that he was sturdy and defiant regardless of uncertainty about his nation’s future – and that of his personal.
Simply 48 hours earlier, he had successfully been ejected from the Oval Workplace following that disastrous confrontation with President Donald Trump and his vice chairman JD Vance.
However in London, he was greeted by the UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders with open arms, in a show of solidarity.
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In the course of the dialog with journalists, he refused to be drawn into the drama that unfolded on the White Home and evaded questions on his relationship with the US president, together with whether or not he would apologise.
After I requested him about his personal future and whether or not he would resign, he said he was exchangeable for NATO membership.
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The identical qualities which have made President Zelenskyy so spectacular for 3 years, together with as a fantastic communicator, labored in opposition to him and his nation with the Trump administration.
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The query now’s, are issues irrecoverable with the Individuals?
Earlier than the blow-up, Donald Trump indicated that the US would proceed to ship weapons to Ukraine, that the minerals deal ensured the US was handled pretty and he did not rule out US boots on the bottom.
It is perhaps arduous to get again to that place, nevertheless it does not seem inconceivable.
And it is going to be the duty of the likes of Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to behave because the brokers.
