Whitehorse, YT – A group of Yukoners rallied at Whitehorse city hall on Saturday afternoon to support Ukraine following a tense exchange at the White House between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ernie Prokopchuk, a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Association of Yukon which organized the rally, called the White House meeting a fiasco.
“It was mind-blowing. Ridiculous. It’s one of those things that, when I think back to my childhood, I never would have expected to see,” said Prokopchuk. “Even just the simple lack of civility and decorum in the conversation was stunning.”
U.S. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance berated President Zelenskyy on Friday accusing the Ukrainian leader of being disrespectful, ungrateful, “gambling with World War Three” and was told to leave the White House.
Yukon MP Brendan Hanley attended the rally, condemning the “shameful” behavior from U.S. officials and expressing concern over the U.S. distancing itself from Ukraine.
“It really is a devastating blow not just for democracy and the solidarity within NATO countries but it’s certainly a devastating step for Ukraine,” said Hanley.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and many European Leaders were quick to voice their support for Ukraine following Friday’s exchange.
