Trump calls Zelensky 'a dictator', tells him to act fast or lose Ukraine

WASHINGTON,— In a sharp rebuke that signaled potential shifts in U.S. policy on Ukraine, President Donald Trump on Wednesday labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “a dictator without elections” and warned that unless he moved quickly to secure peace, he would have no country left.

The remarks, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, immediately drew reactions from Kyiv, where officials dismissed the claims as Russian propaganda and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to defending itself against Moscow’s invasion.

Zelensky responded by rejecting Trump’s assertion and accused him of echoing Russian disinformation.

“A Dictator without Elections, Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left,” Trump wrote in his post.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered the claim, stating on X, formerly known as Twitter, that no one could pressure Ukraine into surrendering. “We will defend our right to exist,” he said.

The comments come as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces nearly three years into a war that has left large portions of its eastern territory under occupation.

Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, insists its military campaign is a response to Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO, a move Moscow views as a threat.

Ukraine and its allies, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned the invasion as an attempt to expand Russian influence by force.

Zelensky, whose five-year term was set to expire in 2024, remains in office under martial law, which was imposed at the start of the war. Under Ukrainian law, elections cannot be held during wartime, a provision Zelensky and his government argue is necessary to maintain stability as the conflict continues.

Trump’s criticism of Zelensky is the latest in a series of remarks that have raised questions about how his administration will handle U.S. support for Ukraine.

Since taking office, Trump has signaled a departure from previous policies, including suggesting that Ukraine was partly responsible for the war and indicating openness to direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday, Zelensky met in Kyiv with Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, and said he hoped the U.S. would base its policies on facts rather than misinformation.

“We would like President Trump’s team to have a more accurate understanding of Ukraine,” Zelensky said, dismissing Trump’s claim that his approval rating had fallen to 4%.

The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology reported this month that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky, despite the challenges of the ongoing war.

Trump has hinted at a potential meeting with Putin later this month, though the Kremlin suggested that such talks would require more time to arrange. Russian officials have also expressed optimism that U.S. companies may resume business in Russia as early as the second quarter of the year.

Speaking in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin said Ukraine was not being excluded from talks but stressed that trust between the United States and Russia would need to improve for peace talks to be successful.

“It is not enough to sit down for tea and coffee and talk about the future,” Putin said in televised remarks. “We need serious negotiations on issues that are critical to both Russia and the United States, including — but not only — Ukraine.”

Concerns are growing among European leaders that Trump’s approach could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position or lead to a settlement favorable to Russia.

Trump has suggested that European nations take on a greater role in ensuring any ceasefire agreement is upheld.

In response, Zelensky has reportedly floated the idea of granting U.S. companies rights to extract Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources in exchange for long-term security guarantees, though Trump has not publicly responded to the proposal.

At a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine had received $67 billion in U.S. military aid and $31.5 billion in financial assistance, but dismissed speculation that his country would exchange resources for security. “This is not a serious conversation. I cannot sell my country,” he said.

Meanwhile, European Union officials approved a new round of sanctions targeting Russian aluminum exports and shipping vessels believed to be involved in the transport of sanctioned Russian oil.

The EU is also weighing additional military aid for Ukraine, including providing 1.5 million rounds of artillery ammunition, air defense systems, and long-range precision missiles, though no final decision has been made.

European leaders have expressed unease over the shifting stance of the United States. The prospect of a U.S.-Russia agreement that does not fully account for Ukraine’s security needs has left many in Europe questioning their own defense strategies.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged differences within the EU on how to proceed but stressed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine.

“We need to keep a cool head and continue to support Ukraine,” Kristersson said Wednesday.

As the war nears its third anniversary, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain. With Trump exploring diplomatic engagement with Russia and European leaders scrambling to reinforce Ukraine, the future of the conflict—and America’s role in it—remains in flux.

(With files from Reuters)