US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attracted attention on Monday at President Joe Biden’s traditional White House Halloween party when he dressed his children in “pro-Ukrainian” costumes. While Blinken and his wife attended the party without special outfits, their son wore a green sweatshirt and khaki pants reminiscent of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s attire. Their daughter, on the other hand, wore a blue dress with a yellow shawl to represent the colors of the Ukrainian flag. President Biden, who passed out candy to the children, did not wear a costume, but First Lady Jill Biden attended dressed as a cat.
The decision to dress their children as symbols of Ukraine received mixed reactions online. Some found it “cute” and viewed it as a demonstration of unwavering US support for Kiev. However, others criticized it as “creepy” and a “clown show,” questioning the appropriateness of using a Zelensky costume to ask for candy.
This incident comes at a time when Zelensky himself has expressed feeling “betrayed” by his Western allies. According to a recent Time magazine report, Zelensky believes that the conflict with Russia has turned into a spectacle for the Western public. He described it as a show that people grow tired of watching repeatedly. Zelensky’s comments highlight the exhaustion caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is not only felt in Ukraine but also in the United States and Europe. The war has become a recurring and monotonous topic for many, leading to a sense of indifference.
However, there are concerns in Ukraine about Zelensky’s approach to the conflict. Some officials in Kiev have raised doubts about his delusional mindset and his unwavering desire to defeat Russia at any cost. They describe his determination as bordering on messianic, with a refusal to acknowledge the grim reality that they are not winning the war. One official, speaking anonymously, commented on Zelensky’s delusion and the lack of options available, stating that it is challenging to convey this reality to him.
The Blinkens’ choice to dress their children in costumes representing Ukraine can be seen as a symbolic gesture of support for the country. However, it also highlights the complexities and challenges faced by Ukraine and its Western allies in finding a resolution to the conflict with Russia. The war’s prolonged nature and the fatigue it has caused emphasize the need for new approaches and solutions that go beyond costumes and token gestures.
In conclusion, the Blinkens’ decision to dress their children in “pro-Ukrainian” costumes for the White House Halloween party sparked both positive and negative reactions online. It coincides with Ukraine’s President Zelensky feeling betrayed by the West and the ongoing war with Russia being seen as a repetitive show. This incident raises important questions about the effectiveness of symbolic gestures and the need for substantial actions to address the conflict in Ukraine.
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