Trump calls Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’, deepens rift between Washington and Kyiv amid Russia-Ukraine war

“Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the US and ‘TRUMP,’ will never be able to settle,” Trump said of Zelenskyy. He accused Zelenskyy of being “A Dictator without Elections !!”

In this photo provided by Ukraine’s 65th Mechanised Brigade press service, a Ukrainian woman soldier, Maria, 22, commander of a D-20 howitzer, prepares to fire towards the Russian positions on the frontline in the Zaporizhia region, Ukraine on February 12. (AP photo)

Reacting to the comments, Zelenskyy urged the Trump administration to respect the truth regarding the Ukraine-Russia war. He also reacted to Trump’s erroneous claims about his approval rating and expressed concern over the recent tone of US discussions, which he believes portrays Russia as a victim. He warned that this stance aligns with Moscow’s interests, allowing Russia to dictate diplomatic terms.

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his stance against accepting deals brokered without Kyiv’s involvement. Elections in Ukraine, halted due to martial law, became another contentious issue, with Trump appearing to favour Russia’s demand for polls before further negotiations — a move Zelenskyy firmly opposes. Due to the war, Ukraine did delay elections that were scheduled for April 2024.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a press conference in Kyiv (AP)

How is the world reacting to the situation? 

The escalating confrontation between the two leaders prompted international reactions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both defended Zelenskyy, emphasizing his democratic legitimacy. Scholz called Trump’s remarks “dangerous,” while Starmer backed the suspension of elections during wartime.

The office building is seen destroyed after a Russian attack, which injured multiple people in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 12, (AP Photo)

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the recent US-Russia talks held without Ukraine’s involvement, calling it a positive step. Putin also suggested a future summit with Trump, provided substantial groundwork is laid. The exclusion of Ukraine from these talks has deepened concerns over potential deals favourable to Moscow.

What lies ahead?

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, with hopes for constructive discussions. However, the Ukrainian leader remains critical of any negotiations that exclude Kyiv or undermine Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

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