Connecticut’s DC Delegates Condemn Trump’s Clash With Zelensky, Reaffirm Support For Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Washington today for a series of high-stakes meetings, including what ended up being a contentious Oval Office encounter with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Shortly before the meeting in the Oval, Zelensky met with a bipartisan congressional delegation that included Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy.

In a video news conference following his conversation with Zelensky, Blumenthal called the meeting “immensely encouraging and heartening.” He emphasized the necessity of US support.

“They are fighting, not only for their freedom and security, but also for ours,” Blumenthal said.

According to Blumenthal, the meeting focused on military aid, economic support, and Ukraine’s long-term security.

“Putin will continue his murderous aggression if he is not stopped in Ukraine, requiring us to come to the aid of allies like Poland, Finland, or Sweden under Article 5 of the NATO treaty,” he warned, referencing the collective defense commitment among NATO members.

A key issue discussed was Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth and its potential to fund its own defense.

“Extraction of these trillions of dollars in mineral resources will help Ukraine pay American companies for American arms,” Blumenthal said. “Remember that 70 percent of all military munitions, artillery, planes, and other equipment – the tools of war – come from American manufacturing. We benefit not only in security but also in the economic benefits to American companies.”

According to a report by Reuters, Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 50 minerals classified as critical by the US government, along with significant deposits of lithium, graphite, titanium, and uranium, all of which are essentials for defense and technology industries. A deal with Ukraine would reduce reliance on adversarial nations for vital resources.

Connecticut’s defense sector is a cornerstone of its economy, earning over $22.6 billion in federal defense contracts in 2022 and supporting thousands of jobs through major manufacturers like General Dynamics Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, and Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky.

At the end of the news conference, Blumenthal reiterated that the meeting with Zelensky was “immensely encouraging and heartening because it offers the start of a strengthening support for Ukraine from the United States.” He confirmed that the agreement, which he had reviewed, would benefit both Ukraine and the United States. However, he expressed regret over its underlying premise, likening Ukraine being forced to pay for their own defense akin to an “extortion demand” because “they’re fighting not only for their freedom and security, but for ours.” He also voiced strong support for Ukraine’s NATO membership or a separate bilateral treaty to deter further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Following that news conference, Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and Vance became the major news story of the day around the world. Expected to finalize a minerals deal and secure more US military aid, the discussion turned tense when Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and criticized Ukraine’s dependence on US support. The meeting ended abruptly, with a planned news conference canceled and the minerals deal left unsigned.

The reaction from Connecticut lawmakers, and world leaders alike, was swift and critical.

Murphy called the meeting “a planned ambush designed to humiliate President Zelensky in order to benefit Vladimir Putin. Zelensky told me he expected a tough meeting with Trump, but this was an embarrassment and an abomination for America.”

US Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, called Trump’s behavior “an insult to the people of Ukraine” and a “disgrace,” condemning the former president for rationalizing “ex-KGB Putin’s vicious, lawless actions.” He emphasized that bipartisan support for Ukraine remains strong in Congress and that “any proposed deal with Russia must include enforceable security guarantees.”

US Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, described Trump’s actions as “a pro-Putin meltdown,” accusing him of delivering “a propaganda gift directly to Vladimir Putin.” She warned that Trump and Vice President Vance’s behavior had “eroded our global standing” and “weakened our national security.”

US Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, also weighed in, calling the meeting “an embarrassment” to our country.

“President Zelensky came to this meeting in good faith to sign a mutually beneficial agreement between two allies and discuss plans for peace in Ukraine,” Larson said. “Instead, he was met with hostility and aggression from both President Trump and Vice President Vance.”

Larson urged congressional Republicans to “decide whether they, too, are with Russia, the invader, or with the brave Ukrainian people.”

Blumenthal issued an additional statement after Trump and Zelensky’s meeting.

“Trump’s belligerent dressing down of Zelensky only elevated Putin. America should be aiding, not bullying or belittling Ukraine,” he said.

Despite the debacle, Blumenthal spoke hopefully.

“I remain strongly hopeful that progress can be resumed toward strengthening America’s support for Ukraine and that the White House event won’t derail cooperation, including the minerals agreement or security guarantees,” Blumenthal said.