Trump Calls Zelenskyy a ‘Dictator,’ Says U.S. Aid Enables Ukraine ‘Gravy Train’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” responding to Zelenskyy’s claim that Trump is influenced by Russian disinformation. The leaders’ sharp exchange comes as U.S. and Russian officials negotiate a Ukraine war settlement, excluding Kyiv and European allies. Trump reaffirmed his push for a quick end to the conflict.
Trump-Zelenskyy Tensions – Quick Looks:
- Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator,” citing Ukraine’s postponed elections amid wartime conditions.
- Zelenskyy accuses Trump of living in a Russian “disinformation space.”
- U.S.-Russia peace talks held in Riyadh exclude Ukraine, sparking criticism from Kyiv and Europe.
- Trump claims Ukraine misused U.S. aid and accuses Zelenskyy of prolonging the war for financial gain.
- Trump reaffirms vow to end the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly if reelected.
- Zelenskyy warns peace talks without Ukraine undermine its sovereignty.
Trump Calls Zelenskyy a ‘Dictator,’ Says U.S. Aid Enables Ukraine ‘Gravy Train’
Deep Look:
Trump Calls Zelenskyy a “Dictator” as Russia-Ukraine War Tensions Flare
MIAMI, FL – President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, calling him a “dictator without elections” as the leaders traded public jabs over the handling of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump’s remarks followed Zelenskyy’s accusation that Trump is “living in a Russian-made disinformation space” due to his administration’s approach to resolving the conflict. Trump shot back on social media, questioning the legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s leadership and criticizing Ukraine’s use of U.S. aid.
Trump Blasts Ukraine Aid and Zelenskyy’s Leadership
“Think of it,” Trump posted, “a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States into spending $350 billion on a war that could’ve been avoided.”
Trump further claimed Zelenskyy benefits from a “gravy train” of foreign aid while failing to negotiate peace with Russia. “Zelenskyy better move fast or he won’t have a country left,” Trump warned.
His criticism stems from Ukraine’s decision to postpone elections—initially set for April 2024—due to wartime conditions, a move Kyiv defends as necessary amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy Responds: “We Must Be Heard”
Zelenskyy, speaking earlier Wednesday, maintained that Ukraine must be included in any peace talks. His comments came after U.S. and Russian officials met in Riyadh without Ukrainian or European representatives.
“Excluding Ukraine from discussions about our future is unacceptable,” Zelenskyy stated. “No country should negotiate Ukraine’s fate without Ukraine.”
Trump Pushes for Quick Resolution
Trump, who campaigned on ending the war swiftly, insists that only his administration can broker peace.
“Biden never tried, Europe has failed, and only TRUMP can bring peace,” he declared.
However, critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, called Trump’s stance “disgusting,” accusing him of siding with Putin over Ukraine’s sovereignty.
What’s Next?
With peace talks ongoing and Trump reaffirming his pressure on Zelenskyy, the coming weeks could determine the trajectory of negotiations—though Kyiv insists any settlement must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
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