US President Donald Trump has remarked that the Russians “hold the cards” in discussions aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine.”I believe the Russians are eager to see the war come to an end … However, they have a strong position as they’ve gained substantial territory,” Mr. Trump told reporters.
His remarks followed a denunciation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator,” cautioning that he needed to act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing his nation, intensifying a rift between the two leaders that has raised concerns among European officials.
The unprecedented criticisms – occurring just a day after Mr. Trump suggested Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion – amplified worries among US allies in Europe that Mr. Trump’s strategy for resolving the Russia-Ukraine dispute could inadvertently favor Moscow.
Mr. Trump’s outburst came in response to Mr. Zelensky’s assertion that the US president was merely echoing misinformation from Russia.
“A Dictator without Elections; Zelensky better act quickly or he may not have a Country left,” Trump expressed on social media, featuring an alternative spelling of the Ukrainian president’s name.
In reaction, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that no one could compel his country to capitulate.
“We will defend our right to exist,” Mr. Sybiha stated on social media.
Later in Miami, during a meeting with investors and executives, Mr. Trump reiterated his criticisms, again labeling Mr. Zelensky a “dictator” and insinuating that the Ukrainian leader wished to prolong the conflict to “keep the gravy train going,” referring to US military assistance.
Mr. Zelensky’s five-year term was originally scheduled to end in 2024, but elections cannot occur under martial law, imposed by Ukraine in February 2022 in response to the invasion by Russia.
Mr. Trump’s comments followed Mr. Zelensky’s claims that the US president was repeating Russian disinformation when he stated that Ukraine “should never have started” the war, which commenced with Russia’s full-scale invasion three years prior.
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US Vice President JD Vance cautioned Mr. Zelensky against “badmouthing” Mr. Trump.
Russia has occupied around 20% of Ukraine and continues to incrementally gain territory in the east. Moscow claims its “special military operation” is a response to an existential threat posed by Kyiv’s aspirations for NATO membership. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the West characterize Russia’s actions as an imperialist land grab.
The Ukrainian leader asserted that Mr. Trump’s claim of a mere 4% approval rating was Russian disinformation and stated that any attempts to replace him would be futile.
“We have evidence that these figures are being discussed between America and Russia. That is, President Trump … unfortunately resides in this disinformation space,” Mr. Zelensky conveyed during an interview with Ukrainian TV.
The latest poll from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, taken in early February, indicated that 57% of Ukrainians trust Mr. Zelensky.
In light of Mr. Trump’s recent comments, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that Mr. Zelensky “continues to serve in office following duly-held elections.” When inquired about the war’s initiator, Mr. Dujarric responded that Russia had invaded Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it “false and dangerous” for Mr. Trump to label Mr. Zelensky a dictator, as reported by the German newspaper Spiegel.
Australia, a US security ally that has pledged A$1.5 billion in support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, dismissed Mr. Trump’s claims regarding Ukraine.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that “the war in Ukraine must conclude on Ukraine’s terms, as the aggressor here is Russia.” Opposition leader Peter Dutton bluntly stated: “I believe President Trump has erred.”
“Australia ought to stand firmly and proudly alongside the people of Ukraine. It’s a democracy, and this is a battle for civilization. Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator, and we must not give him an inch,” asserted Mr. Dutton.
A few of Mr. Trump’s Republican colleagues in Congress expressed disagreement with his characterization of Mr. Zelensky as a dictator and the notion that Ukraine holds responsibility for Russia’s invasion. However, they refrained from directly criticizing Mr. Trump, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune – a steadfast supporter of Ukraine – stating that Trump needed “space” to pursue a peace agreement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, is set to visit Washington next week.
Mr. Zelensky proposed granting US companies the rights to extract valuable minerals in Ukraine in exchange for US security assurances.
He declined a US proposal last week which would have allocated 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals, including lithium, essential for electric car batteries, to Washington. Mr. Zelensky remarked yesterday that the offer was overly centered on US interests, stating, “I can’t sell our country.”
While addressing reporters aboard Air Force One yesterday, Mr. Trump claimed that Ukraine had “more or less” acquiesced to the proposal and expressed discontent over US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent being treated “rather rudely” during his visit to Kyiv. He indicated intentions to revive the minerals deal.
European officials have been left astonished and unprepared by the recent developments of the Trump administration regarding Ukraine.
During a second assembly of European leaders in Paris, hastily organized by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier in the day, there were increased calls for immediate action to support Ukraine and enhance Europe’s defense capabilities, albeit with few concrete conclusions.
Mr. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week, as stated by White House national security adviser Mike Waltz.
In the wake of Mr. Trump’s latest provocations, Mr. Zelensky engaged in discussions regarding a peace settlement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Mr. Macron, and Mr. Starmer, emphasizing the significance of security guarantees.
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Mr. Starmer reaffirmed his support for Mr. Zelensky as the democratically elected leader of Ukraine, according to his office.
Keith Kellogg, the US Ukraine envoy, arrived in Kyiv yesterday to meet with Mr. Zelensky and noted that he understood “the need for security guarantees,” adding that part of his mission would involve “sitting and listening.”
The 27-member European Union also agreed on a 16th sanctions package against Russia, targeting aluminum and vessels believed to be transporting sanctioned Russian oil.
Mr. Trump indicated he might meet with Mr. Putin this month. In Moscow, the Russian president mentioned that Ukraine would not be excluded from peace discussions; however, success would hinge on cultivating trust between Moscow and Washington.
Mr. Putin, speaking a day after Russia and the US met in Riyadh for initial talks on how to conclude the conflict, also remarked that organizing a summit with Mr. Trump would require time, which both parties have expressed a desire for.
Ukraine and European governments were not invited to the conversations held in the Saudi capital, heightening their concern that Russia and the US might forge an agreement that overlooks their crucial security interests.
Ukraine relies on “the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America,” Mr. Zelensky stated in a video address.
Mr. Trump insists Europe must enhance its role in ensuring any ceasefire agreement.
