Former President Donald Trump increased his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, calling him “a dictator without elections.” He also mocked Zelenskyy as “a modestly successful comedian” who allegedly persuaded the U.S. to spend billions on a “war that couldn’t be won.”
Trump claimed that the U.S. is negotiating a resolution to the war with Russia and reiterated his accusation that Zelenskyy refuses to hold elections. Despite his harsh remarks about Zelenskyy, Trump has never called Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator.
This latest remark underscores the deepening tension in U.S.-Ukraine relations as the Trump administration works on a potential peace deal with Russia, excluding Ukraine from the talks. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left… I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered.”
While Trump’s claims stand in contrast to reality, Zelenskyy was democratically elected, and Ukraine’s constitution allows for elections to be delayed during wartime, as was the case last year due to the Russian invasion. Earlier this week, U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss the war without involving Ukraine. In response to Zelenskyy’s criticism of the U.S. for negotiating with Russia behind Ukraine’s back, Trump falsely suggested that Ukraine was responsible for starting the conflict and that Zelenskyy lacked support from his people. Zelenskyy countered by accusing Trump of “living in a disinformation space” shaped by the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin expressed satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations, stating that Ukraine would not be excluded from the process, according to reports. He also indicated that he would be willing to meet with Trump, but only if the meeting was thoroughly prepared.
