Ukrainian Georgians, lawmakers react to Trump-Zelenskyy clash
ATLANTA, Ga. - The fiery standoff in the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump on Friday has Ukrainians living in Georgia concerned about the future of their home country.
“You know, my first reaction, it was shock,” said Svetlana Lechtchenko.
Lechtchenko moved to Atlanta from Ukraine decades ago.
“My blood and my heart is still there,” said Lechtchenko.
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That’s why no deal on Friday tears at her heart.
“We need peace. We don’t need this,” said Lechtchenko.
“Everyone expected for the deal to be signed, then of course you saw things go sideways,” said Josh McKoon, the chairman for the Georgia Republican Party.
Georgia lawmakers have varying reactions to what happened Friday.
Republican Congressman Mike Collins posted on X, “Thank God we finally have a POTUS who is willing to put America FIRST. Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff posted, “The meeting was a disgraceful spectacle as the world watched the President attempt to publicly humiliate a man leading his nation’s self-defense against brutal military aggression.”
McKoon believes Trump was standing up for the American people.
“About 1 in 10 Georgians are in active military service or retired military, so for those families, it’s very meaningful when you talk about getting the United States of America caught up in foreign conflict,” said McKoon.
“I believe so strongly they will move forward,” said Lechtchenko.
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