Diplomatic Tensions: Trump Accuses Zelensky and Reignites the Debate on the War in Ukraine

As the United States resumes discussions with Russia, Donald Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of being a “dictator without elections” and leading Ukraine into a “pointless war.”

Harsh Criticism of Zelensky

On his social network, Truth Social, the former U.S. president denounced his Ukrainian counterpart’s handling of the conflict. He claimed that Zelensky has done a “terrible job,” that Ukraine is “broken,” and that “millions of people have died unnecessarily.” He also criticized the lack of elections in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, stating that Zelensky “refuses to hold elections” despite his term being set to expire in May 2024.

In response, the Ukrainian president dismissed these accusations, asserting that Trump is influenced by “a Russian disinformation space.”

A War Context and Disputed Financial Aid

Trump continued his criticism by downplaying Zelensky’s role in the war. He argued that a “moderately successful comedian” convinced the United States to spend $350 billion on a conflict that “could not be won.”

However, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates U.S. aid to Ukraine at $114.2 billion since 2022. Trump also claimed that half of this aid had “disappeared,” though he provided no evidence to support this assertion.

A Crucial Diplomatic Issue

These statements come a day after a meeting between U.S. and Russian diplomats in Riyadh, where Trump asserted that the United States is “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.” He insisted that only “Trump and his administration” could bring the conflict to a close.

These remarks highlight the growing divide between those who support Ukraine and those advocating for a more conciliatory approach toward Russia. Meanwhile, Europe continues to seek a role in the negotiations.