Former President Donald Trump has labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” in a recent post on Truth Social, criticizing him for not holding elections and suggesting that his leadership has led to the US wasting $350 billion in a conflict that he claims never needed to start. Trump asserted that Zelensky, whose term expired last year, is not popular among Ukrainians and accused him of manipulating President Biden.
Trump stated, “A modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States into spending $350bn on a War that couldn’t be won.” He argued that the war should have been resolved earlier and suggested that negotiations led by him would be the only viable path to peace.
In response, Zelensky accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation, particularly regarding claims that Ukraine instigated the war. He emphasized that decisions about the conflict should involve Ukraine, reiterating the importance of Kyiv’s participation in any peace discussions.
Despite a decline in Zelensky’s popularity, surveys show his approval ratings have remained above 50% during the war. Zelensky continues to call for Ukraine’s inclusion in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, following recent discussions between US and Russian officials.
