Trump: "Zelensky a ‘Dictator without elections"
Trump escalates criticism of Zelenskyy as U.S. pursues peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement
U.S. President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator without elections", as tensions over U.S. involvement in Ukraine's war against Russia continue to mount.
The remarks, made on Truth Social, came after Zelensky expressed frustration over not being included in a recent diplomatic meeting between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia. Trump dismissed Zelensky's complaints, instead criticizing his leadership and questioning the massive U.S. financial aid sent to Ukraine.
Trump Slams Zelensky’s Leadership and U.S. Aid to Ukraine
In his post, Trump mocked Zelensky, referring to him as a “modestly successful comedian”, rather than a president. He accused Zelensky of manipulating the U.S. into spending $350 billion on a war he believes "never had to start" and claims Ukraine "can’t win" without U.S. intervention.
Trump further criticized disproportionate American spending on the war, stating:
"The United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back."
He questioned why President Joe Biden had not demanded equal contributions from European nations, given that the war affects them more directly than the U.S.
Trump also accused Zelensky of avoiding elections despite being "very low in Ukrainian polls", adding:
"The only thing he was good at was playing Biden like a fiddle."
Trump’s latest remarks come as his administration continues peace negotiations with Russia—without Kyiv's participation. Trump, who has long criticized Biden’s handling of the war, declared:
"Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring peace, and Zelensky probably wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going."
He asserted that his administration is making significant progress toward ending the war, despite Ukraine not being part of the talks. Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday—without inviting Ukrainian officials.
Zelensky Reacts to U.S.-Russia Talks
Zelensky, speaking from Turkey as part of his Middle East tour, expressed shock over Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiations.
"Decisions on how to end the war in Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine, nor can any conditions be imposed," he said.
He described Ukraine's absence from the U.S.-Russia meeting as unexpected, adding:
"It was a surprise for us, I think for many others as well."
Vice President J.D. Vance and Senator Marco Rubio met with Zelensky last week at the Munich Security Conference, where they discussed the war and the need for "real security guarantees."
For now, the tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy continue to escalate, with the Ukrainian leader facing increasing pressure as he fights to keep U.S. support amid mounting skepticism from Washington.
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