Tensions Rise Between Zelenskyy and Trump Over Ukraine's Future
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump are locked in a public dispute as tensions rise over U.S.-Russia peace talks and the future of Western support for Ukraine. The rift deepened after Trump labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections” in a Truth Social post, escalating a war of words that began when Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in a Russian “disinformation bubble.”
Trump’s comments, which included inaccuracies such as claiming Zelenskyy was not democratically elected, came after high-level U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. These talks excluded Ukraine and European allies, sparking concern among Kyiv and its supporters. Trump criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly prolonging the conflict, stating, “Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.” He also accused the Ukrainian leader of benefiting from U.S. financial and military aid, claiming Ukraine had “talked the United States into spending $350 billion dollars” on a war that “couldn’t be won.”
Zelenskyy, in response, defended Ukraine’s position, emphasizing that any peace deal must include Ukraine and provide security guarantees. He reiterated that Trump’s claims about his approval ratings and the war’s origins were rooted in Russian disinformation. Recent polls show Zelenskyy enjoys a 57% approval rating among Ukrainians, contradicting Trump’s assertion of a 4% rating.
The Ukrainian president also expressed frustration over being excluded from U.S.-Russia negotiations, stating, “I can’t sell Ukraine away.” He stressed that Ukraine remains committed to a just and lasting peace but warned against any agreement that compromises its sovereignty. Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to discuss the ongoing conflict and U.S. support.
Meanwhile, European leaders have voiced support for Zelenskyy, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling Trump’s “dictator” remark “wrong and dangerous.” French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer are expected to visit Washington next week to discuss the war, underscoring Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine faces mounting challenges, including Russian drone attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the recent strike on Odesa that left thousands without power. Despite these hardships, Zelenskyy remains resolute, stating, “We are stronger than at the beginning of the war.” However, the growing rift with the U.S. raises concerns about the future of Western aid and the prospects for peace.
Moscow launches drone attack on Odesa – as it happened
This blog is closing now but you can find our latest full story on the falling out between the US and Ukraine here and all our Ukraine coverage here.
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