King Charles delivers "coded challenge" to Trump over Ukraine and NATO – Politico

Politico has described King Charles III's reference to Ukraine in his address to the US Congress as a "coded challenge", linking Western support for Ukraine to the response to the 11 September 2001 attacks.

Source: Politico, Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, citing Charles's speech to the US Congress

Details: Politico noted that "British monarchs deliver their political messages in code – and the reference we just heard Charles make to 9/11 is worth unpacking".

"In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time… we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder," the King said.

According to Politico, this was "a carefully targeted rebuff to Trump and his allies in Congress". The outlet added that, contrary to repeated claims by President Donald Trump in recent weeks, NATO did stand by the US in its most difficult hour.

Politico also pointed out that Charles plans to visit the 9/11 memorial site in New York, meaning the attacks that took place nearly 25 years ago remain highly significant to him.

The King went further by linking that defining moment in 2001 to the need to maintain Western unity in support of Ukraine during the ongoing war.

"Today," he said, "that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace."

Politico stresses that the British monarch's position differs from that of Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom Charles has held several private meetings in recent years.

Quote from Politico: "This passage is a direct plea to Trump and Hill Republicans to maintain American support [for Ukraine] against the Russian invasion."

Previously: In his address to the US Congress, King Charles stressed the need for determined support for Ukraine amid growing global instability.

Background:

• King Charles expressed support for Ukrainians at an event organised by the UK ambassador to the US on 27 April.
• The four-day visit is intended to mark the historic ties between the two close allies in connection with the 250th anniversary of US independence.
• Charles travelled to the US despite a shooting that occurred a day earlier in the presence of President Trump.
• UK officials ensured that the main meeting between King Charles and Trump at the White House was held behind closed doors, amid concerns about a possible public confrontation similar to that seen during Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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