Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, branding him as a "dictator without elections." Through a post on his social media, Trump disparaged Zelensky, calling him a "modestly" successful comedian who persuaded the U.S. to spend $350 billion on an unwinnable war that should never have started. Trump stated, "A war that he, without the U.S. and 'TRUMP,' will never be able to resolve."
Trump criticized the fact that the United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe and will gain nothing in return. He took aim at "Sleepy Joe Biden" for not demanding compensation, as this war is far more critical for Europe. "Zelensky admits that half the money we sent him is 'MISSING.' He refuses to hold elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was ever good at was playing Biden 'like a fiddle,'" Trump emphasized. "A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast or he won't have any country left," he warned.
The Republican leader claimed he is successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia, something he believes only he and his administration can accomplish. "Biden never tried, Europe hasn't managed to bring peace, and Zelensky probably wants to keep the 'gravy train' going. I love Ukraine, but Zelensky has done a terrible job, his country is shattered, and MILLIONS have died unnecessarily. And so it continues…," Trump concluded.
Tensions between Washington and Kiev have escalated due to Ukraine's exclusion from discussions held by U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, about ending the war with Russia. On Tuesday, Trump asserted that Ukraine could have avoided the conflict by reaching an agreement, suggesting that even an inexperienced negotiator—referring to himself—could have resolved it years ago without the loss of lives and the destruction of cities. "I heard they are upset for not being invited. Well, you've been there for three years. You should have finished it three years ago. It should never have started," Trump stated from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. "An inexperienced negotiator could have resolved this years ago without the loss of lives or the destruction of cities," he added.
Meanwhile, Zelensky argues that the American president "lives in a bubble of misinformation," perpetuated by Moscow, which affects his understanding of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In a press conference, the Ukrainian leader disclosed details of a controversial proposal from the U.S., suggesting Ukraine should hand over 50% of its natural resources without receiving security guarantees in return. "The document wasn't clear, it was only clear about one thing: We were supposed to give away 50% of everything specified," Zelensky explained about a proposal presented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kiev last week. The Ukrainian president expressed his willingness to make the proposal public. Sources close to the document indicated that the United States seeks access to half of Ukraine's land and other natural resources.
Key Questions on the Ukraine Conflict
What did Trump call Zelensky in his recent statement?
Trump labeled Zelensky as a "dictator without elections" and criticized his handling of the war.
Why does Trump believe the U.S. has overspent on the Ukraine war?
Trump argues that the U.S. has spent significantly more than Europe on the conflict and has not received any benefits in return.
What controversial proposal did the U.S. present to Ukraine, according to Zelensky?
Zelensky claims the U.S. proposed that Ukraine hand over 50% of its natural resources without receiving security guarantees.