WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling him a “dictator.” His remarks deepened tensions between the two leaders as allies rallied around Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Trump’s comments followed Zelensky’s reaction to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine was excluded. Zelensky said Trump was “living in a disinformation space” controlled by Moscow.
Speaking at an investment event in Florida, Trump mocked Zelensky. He claimed the Ukrainian leader was only good at “playing Joe Biden like a fiddle.”
European leaders quickly condemned Trump’s remarks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “wrong and dangerous.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for Zelensky.
A Downing Street spokesperson defended Ukraine’s decision to suspend elections during wartime. “The UK did the same in World War Two,” they said.
Zelensky plans to meet US envoy Keith Kellogg on Thursday. He stressed the importance of constructive cooperation with the US.
In a social media post, Zelensky said peace would be more secure with US and European support.
His term was set to end in May 2024, but Ukraine remains under martial law. The government suspended elections after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Trump’s remarks. Baerbock called them “absurd.” She said true dictators rule in Russia and Belarus, not Ukraine.
Trump doubled down on his claim in a Truth Social post. He accused Zelensky of refusing elections and performing poorly in Ukrainian polls.
“He’s low in the real polls. How can you be high when every city is in ruins?” Trump said.
Trump also accused Ukraine of breaking a rare-earth minerals deal. He blamed Zelensky for his country’s destruction.
The White House said Trump’s post responded directly to Zelensky’s “disinformation” claims.
On Tuesday, US and Russian officials held their first direct talks since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
