Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc. Condemns Trump Administration’s Shameful Treatment of President Zelenskyy
The Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc. (UCQ) strongly condemns the disgraceful treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during their recent White House meeting. It appears that all diplomatic norms have been discarded by Trump’s White House in the name of staging “great television.”
“This was the moment for Trump and his Administration to make clear their positions on Ukraine and Russia,” said Peter Bongiorni, President of UCQ. “It revealed not just a failure of U.S. leadership, but willingness to parrot Russian disinformation narratives by Vice President Vance, a false belief by Trump that he is able to negotiate from an equal position with Putin, and a bizarre obsession with President Zelenskyy’s attire from men who invest more effort in curating their public image than in making a meaningful impact on the world. President Zelenskyy came to Washington to advocate for his people, yet he was met with arrogance, disdain, and an alarming disregard for the realities of war. Ukrainians have weathered the brunt of Russian aggression on behalf of the West for the past decade, and have been rewarded with bullying and degradation on live, belittling reality TV.”
Rather than standing with an ally in its hour of need, the Trump administration chose to belittle, pressure, and bully Ukraine’s leader, as though Ukraine’s survival was merely a bargaining chip. “To treat a wartime president as if he were an inconvenience rather than a partner is beyond unacceptable,” Bongiorni continued. “Attempting to bully President Zelenskyy into submission was not diplomacy. It was an insult – one that not only undermined Ukraine’s fight for survival but also emboldened its aggressor.”
During the meeting, Trump declared, “You’re gambling with World War III,” a statement that dangerously misrepresented the truth. “Ukraine is not the one playing games with global security,” Bongiorni said. “It is defending its right to exist against a ruthless aggressor. To shift blame onto Ukraine instead of the Kremlin is reckless and irresponsible.”
Equally disturbing was the administration’s demand for gratitude. Vice President Vance questioned whether Ukraine had been sufficiently thankful for past aid, while Trump bluntly told Zelenskyy, “You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there.” Bongiorni condemned this rhetoric as a betrayal of international alliances. “Military and humanitarian aid should not be treated as a favour to be repaid with personal loyalty,” he said. “This is about upholding democratic values and standing against tyranny, not demanding tribute.”
The cancellation of the joint press conference following the meeting sent an unmistakable message: the White House did not want the world to scrutinise what had just taken place. “What happened in that room will not be forgotten,” Bongiorni stated. “The world saw the White House turn its back on a nation fighting for its survival.”
In light of these events, UCQ calls upon democratic governments to reaffirm their support for Ukraine. UCQ also extends its gratitude to Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, for reaffirming Australia’s commitment to Ukraine today. “Australia must take a stronger stance,” Bongiorni urged. “With Trump walking away, it is vital that Australia and Europe step up. This is not just about military aid – it is about making it clear that democracies do not abandon their allies.”
The shift in U.S. foreign policy toward appeasing Russia will have chilling implications for the entire world. “Ukraine has contained this war within its borders at the cost of immense human suffering,” Bongiorni said. “But if the U.S. signals that it is no longer willing to stand up to authoritarian aggression, what message does that send to other adversaries watching closely? If Russia is allowed to succeed, it will not stop at Ukraine.”
UCQ stands firmly behind President Zelenskyy’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. His insistence on obtaining concrete security guarantees before engaging in peace negotiations with Russia reflects a prudent and necessary stance, especially given Russia’s history of violating agreements, such as the Budapest Memorandum and Minsk agreements.
“We are deeply concerned by the Trump administration’s approach during the meeting, which appeared to prioritise immediate concessions over Ukraine’s long-term security,” Bongiorni said. “Such a strategy not only undermines Ukraine’s position but also emboldens aggressors worldwide.”
Any peace plan for Ukraine must include concrete security guarantees to ensure that Russia can never again launch an unprovoked invasion. “We have seen this before,” Bongiorni said. “President Zelenskyy himself recalled the so-called peace deal of 2019, when he and Putin, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, signed a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner swap.
Zelenskyy reminded the world that all assurances were given that Russia would honour the agreement – only for Putin to break the ceasefire, continue killing Ukrainians, and refuse to exchange prisoners. ‘What kind of diplomacy are you speaking about?’ Zelenskyy asked Vance. His question is one that every democratic leader must consider. Russia’s history of aggression shows that without ironclad security commitments, any so-called peace deal is just a pause before the next war. Ukraine’s sovereignty must be protected not just today, but for future generations.”
This moment is critical for Australia and Australians. “We must not be naive in thinking this war is distant from us,” Bongiorni said. “A victory for Russia would embolden authoritarian regimes around the world, including in our own region. Australia has always stood on the side of democracy, and we must continue to do so. Supporting Ukraine is not just about Ukraine – it is about defending the principles that keep us all safe.”
“It appears that the Trump Administration does not place the same value on treaties, pacts, alliances as previous US Administrations, shared values are not held in high regard and that former adversaries are not held in contempt. The only relationship Trump appears to value is a transactional relationship where he wins and you lose something.“
UCQ remains steadfast in its advocacy for Ukraine’s humanitarian and defence needs. “We will not allow Ukraine’s voice to be silenced by political posturing,” Bongiorni said. “This is not just Ukraine’s fight. This is about defending freedom, the international rules-based order and democracy everywhere.”
UCQ encourages the community to show its solidarity through advocacy, fundraising, and humanitarian support. “The challenges ahead are great, but Ukraine will endure,” Bongiorni concluded. “Not because of Trump’s approval, but because history stands with those who fight for justice.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Peter Bongiorni | President, Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc.
[email protected]