Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,released the following statement on President Trump’s meeting with President Zelensky and European leaders at the White House: 

“After President Trump gave President Putin the red-carpet treatment on Friday, and moved away from demanding a ceasefire, Russia turned around andlaunched yet another attackthat killed more innocent Ukrainian civilians – just hours before President Zelensky arrived at the White House to discuss a path toward peace for his country. It is clear that Ukrainewants peace – and it is obvious that Putin does not.   

“President Trump must abandon the delusion that Putin is going to engage in good faith to end this conflict. He must follow yesterday’s meeting with swift action, in close coordination with Ukraine and our European allies, to put real pressure on Russiaand ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to defend itself and strengthen its hand. He must do what is necessary to end this war, not simply on Putin’s terms, but in a way that delivers a just and durable peace in Ukraine.”