Trump’s latest remarks come a day after he controversially suggested Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion, a claim widely disputed by West
The President of the United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump, denounced the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a “dictator” and warned him to move quickly to secure peace or risk losing his country.
Trump’s latest remarks come a day after he controversially suggested Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion, a claim widely disputed by Western leaders. The comments have sparked renewed concerns that his approach to resolving the conflict could undermine Ukraine’s position and embolden Russia.
Less than a month into his second term, Trump has dramatically shifted U.S. policy on Ukraine. He has ended efforts to isolate Russia by engaging in direct talks with the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin, and facilitating high-level meetings between U.S. and Russian officials, moves that have largely sidelined Ukraine in diplomatic negotiations.
Taking it to X, Trump tweeted,
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 U.S. and “TRUMP,” will never be able to settle.…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 19, 2025
He further said, “He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden ‘like a fiddle’. A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only ‘TRUMP’, and the Trump Administration, can do.”
Trump’s assertions have been met with strong rebuttals. Zelenskyy, whose five-year Presidential term was extended due to martial law imposed in 2022, dismissed Trump’s claim that he lacks legitimacy. The Ukrainian leader countered that Trump was repeating Russian disinformation.
Speaking to media, Zelenskky said, “We have evidence that these figures are being discussed between America and Russia. That is, President Trump… unfortunately lives in this disinformation space.”
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine – Andrii Sybiha tweeted,
Ukraine withstood the most horrific military attack in Europe’s modern history and three years of a total war.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) February 19, 2025
The Ukrainian people and their President @ZelenskyyUa refused to give in to Putin’s pressure.
Nobody can force Ukraine to give up. We will defend our right to exist.
Trump’s comments have sent shockwaves through European capitals, where officials grapple with the implications of a potential shift in U.S. policy. The Chancellor of Germany – Olaf Scholz called his remarks “false and dangerous,” while the Defense Minister of Australia – Richard Marles rejected Trump’s framing of the war, stating, “The aggressor here is Russia.”
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Keir Starmer, set to visit Washington next week, reiterated the U.K.’s support for Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s legitimate leader. The Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – Mark Rutte also spoke with Zelenskyy to discuss security guarantees amid growing uncertainty over U.S. commitments. Meanwhile, the European Union (E.U.) has approved its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum exports and vessels believed to be transporting sanctioned Russian oil.
