Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement affirming the state’s commitment to the Ukrainian people following a heated exchange between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Pennsylvania is the proud home to over 150,000 Ukrainian and Ukrainian American people. Some have planted roots here for generations – and tens of thousands are here to find safety after fleeing Vladimir Putin’s aggression,” said Shapiro.
“I know they, along with countless other Pennsylvanians, watched in shock as the President and Vice President berated President Zelenskyy and advanced Russia’s propaganda directly from the White House.”
The governor has walked a thin line since the president carried the state in the 2024 election. Pennsylvania in many ways highlights sharp divides across the country. Shapiro has made a concerted effort not to alienate his base, asserting a willingness to work with the Trump administration, even as it threatened the state’s funding.
Nevertheless, especially the state’s rural coal region, has long been a home to large populations of Eastern Europeans seeking safety from political turmoil in their native homes.
It appears Friday’s exchange at the White House changed things.
Shapiro said the president and vice president “served to undermine the safety and security of America and our national security interests” and underscored the fact that Russia was the aggressor in the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy and Trump were expected to arrive at a deal Friday over Ukrainian minerals the U.S. wanted access to, though it was a given they would discuss the war, as well. Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that, with his administration in power, Russia and Ukraine will soon reach a peace agreement.
Public assertions that Ukraine bears responsibility for Russia’s invasion have been an oft-used propaganda tool by Putin’s government. The war’s roots, however, began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated to widespread continuous conflict in 2022.
“In a matter of just a few weeks, the Trump-Vance Administration has alienated many of our allies and is seemingly trying to take us from being the leader of the free world to a hemispheric power, signaling to our friends in Europe that they are on their own,” said Shapiro, turning from Pennsylvanians to the world at large.
“Friends and adversaries elsewhere are taking notice. That is weakness that does not serve the interests of freedom and liberty, and it will create a more dangerous world.”
Shapiro himself was among the final few considered to run alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. His trajectory toward higher office is a frequent topic of speculation, and instances such as this offer an opportunity to glimpse his approach to foreign affairs.
“Strong leaders stand with their allies and they stand on their principles – and I believe we must continue to advocate for the values of freedom and liberty, not cower to dangerous dictators like Vladimir Putin,” he said.
The American president released a statement on Truth Social at 1:16 PM Friday, after a joint press conference with the two world leaders was supposed to have started.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” Trump wrote.
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
