Former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are in a heated dispute after the US held peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s participation.
Trump called Zelensky a “dictator without elections,” leading to strong reactions from Kyiv.
The conflict began after US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine war—without inviting Ukraine. Trump later suggested that Ukraine had started the war, a statement Zelensky strongly denied.
“I would like to have more truth with the Trump team,” Zelensky said in some of the most overt criticism yet of Trump and his view of the war in Ukraine.
In response, Zelensky held a press conference in Kyiv, saying Trump had fallen into “a web of disinformation” spread by Russia.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump responded with a scathing attack on Zelensky.
“Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending 350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and “TRUMP,” will never be able to settle,” Trump wrote.
Trump has repeatedly questioned America’s support for Ukraine, stating that the war is more important for Europe than for the US.
He also exaggerated the amount of aid given to Ukraine, claiming it was $350 billion, while research shows the actual figure is $119 billion.
He further suggested that Ukraine should quickly agree to peace or risk losing its country. Additionally, Trump backed a Russian demand that Ukraine hold elections, despite them being suspended under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
“Let’s be honest: Without the U.S., it will be very difficult for us,” Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, said on Wednesday.
Zelensky dismissed Trump’s claims, especially about his approval rating, which Trump said was only 4 percent. A recent poll, however, showed that 52 percent of Ukrainians trust his leadership.
“So, if anyone wants to replace me right now — that’s not going to happen,” Zelensky said, referring to his approval ratings.
Trump’s false statements, Zelensky said, stemmed from misinformation spread by people around him. “Such rhetoric doesn’t help Ukraine — it only helps in bringing Putin out of isolation,” he said.
He remained calm but determined, stating that he was used to political battles. He emphasized that Russia was pleased with these talks and warned that Ukrainians do not trust promises from Moscow.
The dispute could impact Ukraine’s war effort, as Trump’s stance may threaten future US aid. Ukraine has been pushing for a seat at the negotiating table, but Trump’s portrayal of Zelensky as weak and ineffective could further isolate Kyiv from talks.
“Yesterday, there were signals of speaking with them as victims,” he said of the Trump officials’ tone toward the Russians, whose government set off the largest war in Europe since World War II, one that has killed or wounded about a million people on both sides. “That is something new.”
As tensions grow, the outcome of US-Russia peace talks remains uncertain, with Ukraine determined to have its voice heard in any future negotiations.
