Trump disparages Zelensky, trampled by Russia, as "dictator and comedian"

Harsh Criticism of Zelensky's Discontent Over 'Ukraine Being Sidelined'
Trump: "Only I Can End the War"

U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed harsh criticism, calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a "comedian" and a "dictator" after Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. and Russia's peace negotiations that 'passed over' Ukraine. As the U.S.-Russia talks to end the Ukraine war began, a direct clash between President Trump and President Zelensky erupted, signaling intense conflicts and a difficult path ahead for reaching a peace agreement.

President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

On the 19th (local time), President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which he created, saying, "Volodymyr Zelensky, a moderately successful comedian, forced the U.S. to spend $350 billion on a war that should never have started and can never be won." He added, "That war was one that could never be resolved without the U.S. and Trump."

He claimed, "The U.S. has spent $200 billion more than Europe," and "Europe's money is guaranteed, but the U.S. will get nothing back." He further stated, "This war is much more important to Europe than to us, yet 'Sleepy Joe Biden' (a mocking term referring to former President Joe Biden's age and health) did not demand equality."

Earlier, after ministerial-level U.S.-Russia negotiations to end the Ukraine war the previous day, President Trump criticized Zelensky for not holding elections based on martial law, saying, "The Ukrainian leader's approval rating has dropped to 4%." This came shortly after Zelensky, who had maintained a 'rocky mode' since the start of Trump's second term, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the peace talks that excluded Ukraine. The next day, Zelensky appeared on local TV and sharply criticized Trump again, saying, "President Trump lives in a space of misinformation (regarding the 4% approval rating comment)" and "We cannot sell our country (in response to the U.S. demand for a 50% stake in Ukraine's rare earth resources)." In response, President Trump launched a two-day offensive of criticism, revealing his discomfort.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

President Trump also called President Zelensky a "dictator."

He said, "He (Zelensky) did not hold elections and shows very low approval ratings in Ukrainian polls, and all he can do is play Biden like a violin," adding, "Zelensky, a dictator who did not hold elections, needs to act quickly. Otherwise, there will be nothing left of the country." He continued, "I love Ukraine, but Zelensky has done terrible things, his country is shattered, and millions have died unnecessarily," and "And it continues."

He reiterated his claim that only he can end the Ukraine war.

President Trump stated, "We are successfully negotiating with Russia to end the war," and "As everyone acknowledges, only Trump and the Trump administration can do this." He added, "Biden never tried, and Europe failed to bring peace," and disparaged, "Zelensky probably wants to keep making easy money."

Meanwhile, Ukraine and the European Union (EU) are strongly opposing the U.S.-Russia peace talks, which are proceeding in a direction favorable to Russia while bypassing key parties. The previous day, both the U.S. and Russia discussed geopolitical and economic cooperation, coordination on Ukraine's reconstruction, and lifting sanctions against Russia.