Washington, D.C. [USA], February 20 – U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, calling him a "dictator" and warning that he must act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing Ukraine. The remarks, coming a day after Trump controversially suggested that Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion, have raised concerns among European allies about his approach to resolving the war.
Trump's comments signal a dramatic shift in U.S. policy, marking a departure from previous efforts to diplomatically isolate Russia. Within weeks of taking office, he has initiated direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while senior U.S. and Russian officials have engaged in discussions that notably exclude Ukraine.
"A dictator without elections, Zelenskyy better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left," Trump wrote on social media, using an alternate spelling of the Ukrainian leader’s name.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected Trump's characterization, stating, "We will defend our right to exist."
Later in the day, speaking at an event in Miami, Trump reiterated his claims, alleging that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war to maintain U.S. military aid. He referred to the ongoing support as a "gravy train," further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv.
European and Global Backlash
Trump’s statements drew swift reactions from U.S. allies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the remarks as "false and dangerous," according to German newspaper Spiegel. Meanwhile, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric clarified that Zelenskyy remains in office following "duly held elections."
Australia also rejected Trump's assertion. Defence Minister Richard Marles reaffirmed Canberra’s position, stating, "The war in Ukraine must be resolved on Ukraine’s terms because the aggressor here is Russia." Opposition leader Peter Dutton was more direct, declaring, "Trump is wrong. Ukraine is fighting for democracy, while Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator."
Within the U.S., some Republican lawmakers distanced themselves from Trump’s remarks but refrained from direct criticism. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a longstanding supporter of Ukraine, emphasized the need to allow Trump "space" to negotiate a peace deal.
Vice President JD Vance, however, warned Zelenskyy against publicly challenging Trump. "Everyone who knows the president will tell you that badmouthing him is not the right approach," Vance said, according to the Daily Mail.
Ukraine’s Political Landscape and Strategic Considerations
Trump’s attack on Zelenskyy centers on Ukraine’s decision to postpone elections due to martial law, imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Trump also cited unverified claims regarding Zelenskyy’s approval ratings, which the Ukrainian leader dismissed as "Russian disinformation." A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy.
Trump's administration has also engaged in discussions over Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. Zelenskyy confirmed rejecting a recent U.S. proposal that would have granted Washington 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals, including lithium. "I can't sell our country," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that the proposal was disproportionately skewed toward U.S. interests.
Trump, however, claimed that Ukraine had "more or less" agreed to the deal and expressed frustration over the treatment of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv. He signaled intentions to revive negotiations.
European Diplomacy Scrambles in Response
The Trump administration’s recent actions have left European leaders scrambling for a cohesive response. A hastily arranged summit in Paris, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, underscored the urgency of bolstering European defense and sustaining military support for Ukraine. However, concrete measures remain limited.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Starmer, set to visit Washington next week, emphasized that Zelenskyy remains Ukraine’s democratically elected leader.
As tensions escalate, reports suggest Trump and Putin may meet in the coming weeks, with the Kremlin signaling openness to negotiations. However, concerns remain that any U.S.-Russia deal, particularly one brokered without Ukrainian or European participation, could sideline key security interests.
For Ukraine, the stakes remain high. "We are counting on the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America," Zelenskyy said in a video address, reiterating Kyiv’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Trump, however, insists that Europe must take greater responsibility for guaranteeing any potential ceasefire, further complicating the path toward a resolution.
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