CNN reports that at a time when drones and airstrikes have killed 47 civilians in Ukraine during the last 10 days alone, superlatives rained during yesterday’s meeting and press conference between U.S. President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Zelenskyy finding himself berated for ‘lack of gratitude’ on live television by both Trump and Vance.
During the press conference, Zelenskyy was confronted by Vance with a lecture on U.S. diplomacy regarding Russia – which since 2014 has advanced little but Moscow’s military goals in Ukraine. When Trump later told him he had “no cards,” Zelenskyy replied: “I am not playing cards.”
Given the manner in which the press conference devolved, and with the final draft of the ‘minerals deal’ reportedly containing no security assurances from the United States to help protect Ukraine from Russia’s continuing attacks, Zelenskyy declined to sign the agreement, which infuriated Trump.
The CNN report may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, as a Christian, U.S. veteran and patriotic American, this writer is shocked by the apparent inability of President Trump and Vice President Vance to rise above petty and emotional outbursts, and to show any degree of compassion (let alone statesmanship) for President Zelenskyy, the leader of a free and sovereign nation that has been under direct assault by Russia in an unprovoked and evil war for the last three years.
What is wrong with U.S. leadership? There has undoubtedly been corruption at several levels and over a period of years, directly and/or indirectly involving Ukraine; however, evil is not overcome by the wisdom of the world, and certainly not by mindlessly spending money without taking any actual action of consequence to move the enemy to a point of reconsidering its actions. Or, could it be that communism, reckless threats of nuclear war, and the overtaking of free and sovereign countries by military power is no longer considered distasteful and immoral to the United States?
If there is one thing missing in all of the mainstream media news reporting, it is the apparent lack of any acknowledgment of God and the need to seek His wisdom and favor in all matters, including matters of state. I have not seen or heard from the mouths of U.S. politicians any mention of prayer. During WWII, even the U.S. president was found praying over the radio in addresses to the nation. What has changed? Do our leaders hold too high of an opinion of themselves? Are we now a go-it-alone nation?
I am very concerned that the death and suffering in Ukraine, at the hands of Russia, has been minimized and the ‘almighty’ dollar has been maximized in our government. It is wise to refrain from being wasteful with God-given resources, but it is also wise to stand for our Christian faith in all aspects of our lives and to protect others from evil. There must be a balance, as in all matters of our lives, and our leaders will only strike a proper balance through faith in God, prayer and a willingness to do the will of the Lord – even when doing so is not so easy.
Zelenskyy more than sufficiently telegraphed in recent weeks that any minerals agreement would need to have some security assurances for Ukraine, but this was apparently removed from the agreement or never included. For his part, Vance seemed more put off about clothing and ‘respect’ than the issue at hand – a reckless and murderous Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In this writer’s view, for Trump to enjoy a successful 2nd term as president, he is going to need to seek the Lord, and work on his compassion and statesmanship. As the old adage goes, those who forget history (willingly or unintentionally) are doomed to repeat it.
As FGGAM recently reported HERE and HERE, recent comments and actions by Trump have left a bitter taste in this writer’s mouth. The protagonist in this situation, dating back to 2014 at the minimum, is Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former Soviet KGB officer who seems to be lost in the supposed ‘glory’ days of the former Soviet Union.
The resolution of Russia’s war against Ukraine requires much more than a ‘deal’ or an armistice. It requires either a clear and indisputable victory by Ukraine or a peace agreement ending the war permanently, with direct involvement and approval of the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainians are fighting for their land, their country, their families and for the principles of freedom. There are many Christian men, women and children in Ukraine. NATO-allied nations know that a clear Russian ‘victory’ will inevitably result in continued aggression.
As followers of Christ, we should continue to pray for our elected and appointed leaders to walk in godly wisdom, without the influence of excessive emotion as the truth of what Russia is doing remains clear and a resolution is sought:
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Proverbs 2:6 (Amplified Bible)
“For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; [f]rom His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
The Bible tells us that we are to not think too highly of ourselves (even world leaders):
Romans 12:3 (Amplified Bible)
“For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think [emphasis mine]; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].”
The Bible also tells us that the ‘shouting ruler’ is not necessarily espousing wisdom and that godly wisdom is better than weapons of war:
Ecclesiastes 9:16-18 (NKJV)
“Then I said: ‘[w]isdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, [a]nd his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard [r]ather than the shout of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war; [b]ut one sinner destroys much good.’”
