War of Words: Trump, Zelenskyy Clash Amid Ukraine War Negotiations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Relations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deteriorated as both leaders traded harsh accusations over the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” while Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in Russian “disinformation.” Peace talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia—without Ukraine—sparked further tension.
Trump-Zelenskyy Clash – Quick Looks:
- Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator” and criticizes U.S. aid to Ukraine as a “gravy train.”
- Zelenskyy accuses Trump of being trapped in Russian “disinformation space.”
- U.S.-Russia negotiations held in Saudi Arabia exclude Ukraine and European allies.
- Putin open to Trump meeting, calling talks with U.S. “very positive.”
- Ukraine fears unfavorable peace deal, demands inclusion in negotiations.
- Zelenskyy defends wartime election delay, rejects Trump’s criticism.
- Russian media celebrates Trump’s hardline stance on Ukraine.
- Kellogg visits Kyiv, pledges U.S. commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and independence.
War of Words: Trump, Zelenskyy Clash Amid Ukraine War Negotiations
Deep Look:
Trump and Zelenskyy Trade Blows as U.S.-Ukraine Relations Strain Over Russia War Talks
KYIV, UKRAINE – Relations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deteriorated Wednesday as both leaders traded sharp accusations amid ongoing negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a heated back-and-forth, Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” criticizing Ukraine’s postponed vote due to martial law and accusing Zelenskyy of manipulating U.S. support. Zelenskyy countered, claiming Trump is “living in a Russian-made disinformation space.”
Trump: “Zelenskyy Played Biden Like a Fiddle”
Trump’s latest comments—posted on social media—accused Zelenskyy of leveraging U.S. aid for personal and political gain.
“A modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States into spending $350 billion on a war that never had to start,” Trump wrote. “Without the U.S. and ‘TRUMP,’ he’ll never settle it.”
He further claimed Zelenskyy “played Biden like a fiddle” and warned, “Zelenskyy better move fast or he won’t have a country left.”
Zelenskyy Pushes Back: “Truth Is Needed”
Zelenskyy, speaking in Kyiv, denounced Trump’s remarks as Russian-fueled misinformation.
“We’ve seen this disinformation. We understand where it comes from,” he said. “Trump lives in this disinformation space.”
He urged Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, visiting Kyiv, to “walk the streets and ask Ukrainians if they trust their president or Putin.”
Excluding Ukraine From Talks Raises Alarms
The U.S.-Russia talks held Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sought to lay groundwork for peace but excluded Ukraine and European allies, drawing criticism. Zelenskyy warned that any peace settlement without Ukrainian involvement undermines his country’s sovereignty.
Trump dismissed these concerns: “Ukraine should’ve made a deal earlier,” he said.
Putin Praises Talks, Eyes Trump Meeting
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the U.S. diplomatic approach, calling the talks “very positive.” He expressed interest in meeting Trump but emphasized, “It needs to be prepared for results.”
Putin dismissed Kyiv’s frustration over being sidelined: “Ukraine will be involved when appropriate.”
Russian Media Celebrates Trump’s Tough Stance
Russian state-controlled media quickly capitalized on the spat:
- Rossiya Channel: “Trump isn’t hiding his irritation with Zelenskyy.”
- Komsomolskaya Pravda: “Trump steamrolled Zelenskyy over peace talks complaints.”
Kellogg in Kyiv: U.S. Seeks Balanced Solution
Visiting Kyiv, Keith Kellogg reassured Ukraine of continued American support. “The U.S. recognizes the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty,” Kellogg said. “Part of my mission is to listen and ensure we get this right.”
He added that negotiations aim for a long-term, peaceful resolution that respects all parties.
Election Dispute and Aid Debate
Trump criticized Ukraine’s delayed elections, but Zelenskyy defended the move, citing martial law and frontline challenges. Trump also claimed 90% of Ukrainian aid comes from the U.S., which Zelenskyy refuted:
- 34% of weapons: Domestically produced
- 30% of support: From European allies
Battlefield Update:
Meanwhile, Russia’s military gains in eastern Ukraine raise concerns:
- 50,000+ deaths in Ukraine and Lebanon since the war’s start.
- Ukrainian forces facing pressure along the 1,000-kilometer front line.
Looking Ahead:
With U.S.-Russia talks progressing and a potential Trump-Putin summit on the horizon, Ukraine fears being sidelined. Trump remains steadfast in his pledge to end the war quickly, while Zelenskyy insists on sovereignty and security guarantees as non-negotiable terms.
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