Tue Mar 04 06:46:21 UTC 2025: ## Allentown Ukrainian Community Reeling After Trump’s Confrontation with Zelensky

**Allentown, PA** – The Ukrainian community in Allentown is reeling from the fallout of a highly publicized confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The incident, described by many as a “shakedown” and a “circus,” left parishioners at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church deeply disturbed and outraged.

Father Richard Jendras, priest at St. Mary’s, expressed his horror at the Oval Office meeting, stating he felt a “slap in the face” witnessing Trump’s aggressive questioning of Zelensky’s gratitude for US aid and his pressure to negotiate a deal with Russia. He recounted the shock within his congregation, many of whom emigrated to Allentown to work in the steel and textile industries. The incident evoked feelings similar to those experienced when the Russian invasion began three years ago.

The confrontation, which saw Trump repeatedly raising his voice and Vice President JD Vance also berating Zelensky, culminated in Zelensky leaving the White House without signing a planned agreement on Ukrainian mineral rights. Zelensky’s questioning of Russia’s trustworthiness in upholding a truce triggered Trump’s ire, as Trump has publicly expressed trust in Vladimir Putin.

The incident has deeply impacted the close-knit community. Father Jendras reported receiving numerous calls and emails from parishioners expressing their distress and a desire to take action. One parishioner, Maria Norton, described the scene as bullying and a setup, expressing pride in Zelensky for standing his ground. Even some Republican Ukrainians expressed embarrassment at the event, she added.

The community is planning a meeting with Congressman Ryan Mackenzie to address the situation, highlighting the political sensitivity in the wake of Mackenzie’s upcoming reelection battle. Former Representative Charlie Dent publicly condemned the event on X, calling it a “disgraceful display” and a “contemptible shakedown.”

Father Jendras emphasized the far-reaching consequences of the incident, asserting that Ukraine’s well-being has ramifications for Europe and ultimately, the United States. The community will continue its weekly prayer meetings for Ukraine, a tradition started before the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The emotional impact of this recent event underscores the deep connection between the Allentown Ukrainian community and the ongoing conflict in their homeland.

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