Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his belief that Russia is interested in ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that the country has gained significant territorial advantages. Speaking to the BBC aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, "I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit, because they’ve taken a lot of territory." When questioned about his trust in Russia’s intentions for peace, he confidently responded, "I do."
Trump’s comments came shortly after he criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a public appearance in Florida, labeling him a "dictator." This accusation echoed a similar sentiment he shared on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump claimed that Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections amid the ongoing conflict, coupled with his low approval ratings, undermined his legitimacy. "How can you be high with every city being demolished?" Trump questioned, referencing the devastation in Ukraine due to the war.
While Trump suggested that Zelensky’s approval rating was as low as 4%, recent polling from BBC Verify indicated that 57% of Ukrainians actually expressed trust in their president. Zelensky’s current term is set to conclude in May 2024, but elections have been suspended due to martial law imposed since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The former president’s remarks drew swift condemnation from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump’s characterization of Zelensky, stating, "it is simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky his democratic legitimacy." UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also reaffirmed his support for Zelensky during a phone call with the Ukrainian leader.
On the same day as Trump’s statements, U.S. and Russian officials engaged in their first high-level, in-person discussions since the onset of the invasion, although Ukraine was notably excluded from these talks. Trump further stirred controversy by suggesting that Ukraine was to blame for the war, asserting, "you should have never started it. You could have made a deal."
In response to Trump’s comments, Zelensky expressed his disapproval, accusing Russia of spreading falsehoods during the recent meeting. "With all due respect to President Donald Trump as a leader… he is living in this disinformation space," Zelensky remarked, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accurate narratives amidst the conflict.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the differing perspectives on the war and leadership in Ukraine remain a focal point of international discourse.