Former U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, labeling him a “dictator” and intensifying the growing rift between the two leaders.
The remarks came after Zelensky criticized Trump for what he described as the former president’s reliance on Russian disinformation. Zelensky’s comments were in response to U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, from which Kyiv was excluded. Trump retaliated at a Saudi-backed investment summit in Florida, claiming that Zelensky’s greatest skill was “playing Joe Biden like a fiddle.”
The use of the term “dictator” has sparked sharp backlash from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced Trump’s remarks, calling them “wrong and dangerous,” while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelensky in a phone call with the Ukrainian president. A Downing Street spokesperson defended Ukraine’s decision to suspend elections under martial law, comparing it to Britain’s own measures during World War II.
Zelensky, whose term was set to end in May 2024, has continued governing under emergency powers imposed since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite Trump’s claim that Zelensky has low domestic approval, recent polling indicates that 57% of Ukrainians trust their president.
Trump, speaking in Florida, doubled down on his accusations, stating, “He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high when every city is being demolished?” He further accused Zelensky’s administration of failing to uphold a previous deal on rare-earth minerals.
Zelensky responded by rejecting Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of constructive U.S.-Ukraine relations. He warned that the world must choose between “being with Putin or with peace.” The Ukrainian president is scheduled to meet Washington’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, on Thursday to discuss continued U.S. support.
Meanwhile, European officials have condemned Trump’s characterization of Zelensky. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the comments “absurd,” pointing out that true authoritarianism is found in Russia and Belarus.
Trump’s attacks on Zelensky come amid crucial U.S.-Russia negotiations, marking the first high-level direct talks between the two nations since the war began. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk warned that Trump’s rhetoric plays into Moscow’s hands, stating, “Russia is popping champagne right now.”
Trump also criticized Europe’s handling of the conflict, arguing that the war is more significant for European security than for the U.S. “We have a big, beautiful ocean as a separation,” he remarked, adding that European leaders have “failed to bring peace.”
In response, the European Union announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum exports, vessels suspected of illegal oil transport, and Russian media outlets. Additional Russian banks will also be cut off from the global Swift payment system.
As tensions escalate, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be open to meeting Trump “with pleasure,” further fueling concerns over Trump’s stance on Ukraine. The coming days will reveal whether the strained U.S.-Ukraine relationship can be repaired or if the divide will deepen further.
