The description of European leaders as Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “bodyguards” speaks volumes about the personal stakes of their mission in Washington. They are not just acting as allies in a political sense; they are providing a physical and psychological shield for a leader they believe is being unfairly targeted.
This mission is a response to the memory of Zelenskyy being “mauled” in a previous encounter with Donald Trump. The term “bodyguard” implies a threat of harm and a duty to protect, elevating the diplomatic stakes to a deeply personal level.
This sense of personal responsibility is most visible in the actions of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has developed a warm, supportive friendship with Zelenskyy. His hugs are not just for the cameras; they represent a genuine commitment to standing by his friend in a moment of peril.
The entire delegation shares this sense of duty. They are in Washington not just to debate policy points, but to ensure the leader of a sovereign, democratic nation is treated with respect and not bullied into a decision that would devastate his country. The personal has become profoundly political.