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By Jesus Mesa and Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump called Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator without elections," lashing out after the Ukrainian president said Trump was being influenced by Russian disinformation.
In a Truth Social post on Wednesday morning, Trump intensified his criticism of the Ukrainian leader, blaming him for starting a war that "couldn't be won" as he pushes to end the three-year conflict on terms Kyiv argues favor Moscow too much.
Why It Matters
Trump's comments came after Zelensky responded to the former U.S. president's claims, saying he "would like Trump's team to be more truthful" as Trump engages with Vladimir Putin and Russia and pushes for a peace deal. This was Zelenskyy's first reaction to a series of bold statements Trump made on Tuesday.
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Meanwhile, senior officials from both countries met the same day to discuss strengthening ties, negotiating an end to the war, and potentially arranging a meeting between Trump and Putin after years of strained relations. Notably, no Ukrainian officials took part in the talks.
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What To Know
Trump, who has had a tense relationship with Zelensky since his succesful presidential campaign, went to Truth Social and attacked Zelensky in a fiery post where he questioned U.S. financial support for Ukraine, and accused Zelenskyy of mishandling the war.
"Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn't be won, that never had to start," Trump wrote.
He added that without U.S. support, Zelensky would "never be able to settle" the war and accused the Ukrainian leader of failing to ensure transparency in the aid received.
The exchange between Trump and Zelensky marked a dramatic shift in the relationship between two nations that had been close allies under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. During Biden's presidency, the U.S. supplied Ukraine with vital military aid to repel the invasion and leveraged its diplomatic influence to support Kyiv while isolating Russia on the global stage.
"The United States has spent $200 Billion Dollars more than Europe, and Europe's money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back," Trump wrote.
The U.S President also accused Zelensky of clinging to power.
"He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden 'like a fiddle.'"
Zelensky was elected as the country's president in 2019. Ukraine's presidential election, originally set for 2024, was postponed due to the ongoing Russian invasion. Martial law, in place since 2022, legally prevents elections.
Trump's remarks come amid "dictator" claims by his own critics amid his administration's slew of broad reforms through executive actions. Some Democrats and Trump critics have warned of a looming "constitutional crisis," accusing Trump of overstepping presidential authority and disregarding legal constraints.
Meanwhile, Putin is widely considered an authoritarian leader, and many political analysts, Western governments and human rights organizations say he functions as de facto "dictator," given his absolute control over Russia's political system and lack of meaningful opposition.
Trump Statement's in Full
Trump posted Wednesday, "Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn't be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and "TRUMP," will never be able to settle. The United States has spent $200 Billion Dollars more than Europe, and Europe's money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back. Why didn't Sleepy Joe Biden demand Equalization, in that this War is far more important to Europe than it is to us — We have a big, beautiful Ocean as separation. On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is "MISSING." He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden "like a fiddle." A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only "TRUMP," and the Trump Administration, can do. Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the "gravy train" going. I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues....."
What People Are Saying
After Trump's remarks, Zelensky said Wednesday on X: "I spoke with U.S. Senator @LindseyGrahamSC. We greatly appreciate the bicameral and bipartisan support of the US Congress to the Ukrainian people in our fight against the Russian aggression. As always, Senator Graham is constructive and doing a lot to help bring peace closer. It's all-important that security guarantees remain on the table—and that they work for Ukraine, for real and lasting peace. Thank you for your support."
Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told Reuters: "Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war," he said. "I think it is important they do so."
U.S. President Donald Trump said: "We are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only "TRUMP," and the Trump Administration, can do."
Dmitri Medvedev, former President of Russia and close Putin ally, on X: "If you'd told me just three months ago that these were the words of the US president, I would have laughed out loud. Donald Trump is 200 percent right. Bankrupt clown."
What Happens Next
Saudi Arabia last week expressed willingness to host a summit between Trump and Putin, inviting parties from the U.S., Ukraine and Russia to gather in Riyadh to discuss how to end the conflict, which began in February 2022.
Trump said he will "probably" meet Putin in the Kingdom in the "not-too-distant future," but on Sunday Bloomberg reported that the meeting could occur before the end of the month.
Zelensky is set to visit Saudi Arabia on March 10, where discussions are expected to focus on Ukraine's diplomatic stance and the Persian Gulf nation's role in broader international efforts.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.
Update: 2/19/25, 12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/19/25, 12:18 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/19/25, 12:32 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/19/25, 2:23 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/19/25, 2:51 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
Update: 2/19/25, 6:53 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
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