US President Donald Trump has intensified tensions with Ukraine by labeling President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.” His remarks came after Zelensky criticized US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, accusing Trump of operating in a “disinformation space” influenced by Moscow.
Speaking at an investment summit in Florida, Trump accused Zelensky of manipulating President Joe Biden and claimed Ukraine’s leader was avoiding elections to retain power. His comments drew swift condemnation from European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who reaffirmed Zelensky’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s elected leader.
Zelensky, whose term was set to end in May 2024, remains in office under martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion in 2022. He emphasized the importance of constructive US-Ukraine cooperation, expressing hope for continued Western support.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also criticized Trump’s statements, calling them misleading and dangerous. Baerbock stressed that true dictatorships exist in Russia and Belarus, not Ukraine.
Trump doubled down on his stance via social media, accusing Zelensky of mismanaging Ukraine and halting a rare-earth minerals deal. Meanwhile, US-Russia negotiations continue, marking the first high-level diplomatic meeting between the two nations since the invasion.
