TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy did not refer to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as President Putin, like President Joe Biden did the day before. But the New Jersey governor did meet with the Ukrainian president while on the first leg of his international road trip this weekend.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City this Friday, where he engaged with U.S. governors in a pivotal discussion about ongoing Russian aggression. Outgoing NGA Chair, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and incoming Chair, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, hosted President Zelenskyy, expressing strong support for Ukraine.
During the private meeting and subsequent public address, President Zelenskyy and the governors examined the impact of U.S. support on Ukraine’s defense efforts. Governor Cox highlighted the symbolic importance of Ukraine’s struggle, stating, “Victory for Ukraine is a U.S. security priority,” and reaffirmed Utah’s commitment to the Ukrainian cause.
Governor Murphy of New Jersey underscored the critical need for unity in supporting Ukraine, promising continued solidarity. Meanwhile, Governor Polis emphasized the role of the U.S. in bolstering international allies, pledging that Colorado stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy against Russian forces.
President Zelenskyy’s remarks shed light on the moral clarity of the conflict, depicting it as a stark battle between good and evil, emphasizing the global imperative for good to prevail. His words resonated with the theme of international unity against aggression, stressing that the support for Ukraine is not only about national security but also about upholding global democratic values.
