Trump Labels Zelensky a 'Dictator' as Tensions Escalate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump spent the day attacking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to him as a "dictator" and further straining relations between the two leaders.
Trump's remarks followed Zelensky’s reaction to U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was excluded. Zelensky accused Trump of "living in a disinformation space" influenced by Moscow.
At a Saudi-backed investment forum in Florida, Trump claimed that Zelensky’s only notable skill was "playing Joe Biden like a fiddle."
The "dictator" remark quickly drew criticism from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the statement "wrong and dangerous," defending Zelensky’s democratic legitimacy. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelensky in a phone call, with a Downing Street spokesperson emphasizing that suspending elections during wartime was a legitimate action, referencing the UK’s decision during World War II.
Zelensky is set to meet U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg on Thursday, stressing the need for constructive discussions and cooperation with the U.S. In a social media post, he emphasized that peace efforts would be more secure with U.S. and European backing.
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, leading to the suspension of elections. Zelensky’s five-year term was originally set to conclude in May 2024.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also condemned Trump’s statement. Baerbock called the claim "absurd," pointing out that true dictatorship exists in Russia and Belarus, not Ukraine.
During his Florida speech, Trump repeated his accusation, citing Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections and claiming his approval ratings in Ukraine were low. He also accused the Ukrainian government of breaking a deal regarding rare-earth minerals.
In his Truth Social post, Trump escalated his criticism, stating that Zelensky had done a "terrible job," and that "millions have unnecessarily died." He claimed the U.S. was "successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia."
A White House official suggested that Trump's post was in direct response to Zelensky’s earlier accusations of disinformation. The remarks followed high-level U.S.-Russia talks, the first since the invasion.
Trump’s comments aligned with Russian narratives, further disrupting the U.S. stance on Ukraine. In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, he blamed Ukraine for the ongoing war, suggesting they could have "made a deal."
Zelensky dismissed Trump’s allegations, reiterating that Russia alone was responsible for launching the invasion. He emphasized that the world must choose between "Putin or peace."
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted to the controversy, expressing his willingness to meet with Trump. The European Union, in response to Russia’s continued aggression, announced further sanctions targeting Russian aluminum, oil transport vessels, and additional Russian banks.
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