Former American President George W. Bush had the opportunity to speak virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine continues to fend off an invasion from neighboring Russia, and Bush obviously held Zelensky in the highest regard following his chat, referring to the actor/comedian-turned-world-leader as “the Winston Churchill of our time.”
“I was honored to spend a few minutes talking with President Zelensky – the Winston Churchill of our time – this morning. I thanked the President for his leadership, his example, and his commitment to liberty, and I saluted the courage of the Ukrainian people,” Bush said in a statement issued by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
“President Zelenskyy assured me that they will not waver in their fight against Putin’s barbarism and thuggery. Americans are inspired by their fortitude and resilience. We will continue to stand with Ukrainians as they stand up for their freedom,” he added.
Zelensky issues his own release following the meeting, emphasizing that Ukrainians had felt sympathy for America after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 – attacks that occurred during the first year of Bush’s first of two terms as President.
“Our conversation is important to me because you are an example of a strong leader,” Zelensky told Bush, while also inviting him to visit Ukraine and see the devastation firsthand.
The conversation comes just days after a group of American lawmakers including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a surprise visit to meet with Zelensky in-person in the war-torn nation just as President Joe Biden is calling for America to increase its support.
“The fact is democracy is at stake. Our national security is affected by this,” Pelosi said. “And the leadership role that we play in the world is one that is essential to the essence of who we are,” she said while at a press briefing in Washington state. “Can we afford it? We can’t afford not to do it.”
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