Trump Escalates Attacks on Zelensky, Calling Him a ‘Dictator Without Elections’
Donald Trump has once again taken aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of doing a “terrible job” and missing an opportunity for peace talks with Russia. The remarks, made during a press conference at Trump’s Florida residence, come on the heels of a heated social media post where Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and blamed him for the ongoing war.
Trump Questions Ukraine’s Approach to Peace Negotiations
During his latest public appearance, Trump suggested that Ukraine had an opportunity to end the war but failed to act. According to him, Zelensky should have participated in recent high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia, where the United States and Russia reportedly held talks regarding a possible resolution.
Trump’s statement reflects a broader sentiment he has expressed in recent months—that Ukraine is mishandling the conflict and that the U.S. should not be involved in what he describes as a “senseless war.” He reiterated that thousands of soldiers are dying every week and blamed Ukraine for prolonging the conflict.
Trump’s Social Media Firestorm
Trump’s attack wasn’t limited to the press conference. Hours before his speech, he took to his Truth Social account to double down on his criticism.
- “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left,” Trump wrote, referencing Ukraine’s wartime decision to delay elections.
- He also mocked Zelensky’s past career as a comedian, a dig he has made multiple times before.
- This is not the first time Trump has questioned U.S. aid to Ukraine, previously suggesting that Europe should take on a larger share of the burden.
Zelensky has not directly responded to Trump’s latest statements, but his office released a statement reaffirming that Ukraine will not accept any peace negotiations that exclude its government.
The U.S. and Russia Open Channels, But Ukraine Left Out
While Trump was busy criticizing Zelensky, reports emerged that the United States had quietly started a series of talks with Russia regarding the war. Ukraine, however, was notably absent from these discussions, raising concerns about its role in shaping its own fate.
The lack of Ukrainian representation has fueled speculation that Washington may be looking for alternative solutions to bring the conflict to an end, even if Kyiv does not fully agree with them. Meanwhile, Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations and accused Ukraine of rejecting potential peace offers.
Political Reactions and Global Implications
Trump’s remarks have sparked sharp reactions from both political allies and opponents in the U.S.
- Some Republican lawmakers have echoed Trump’s call for a reassessment of U.S. support for Ukraine.
- Democrats, however, condemned his comments, with several accusing him of undermining a key U.S. ally in favor of Putin.
Internationally, Trump’s words have raised eyebrows. European leaders have consistently backed Ukraine, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently reaffirming that Ukraine’s defense is critical to European security.
As tensions rise and Trump continues his verbal attacks, the situation remains uncertain. With U.S. elections looming, his stance on Ukraine will likely be a key issue for both domestic and international audiences.
