KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Donald Trump of spreading misinformation about Ukraine’s war with Russia. His remarks came after Trump falsely claimed Ukraine started the war. This marks one of the most public exchanges between Kyiv and Washington since the war began. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky countered Trump’s unfounded accusations. He emphasized that no peace deal could happen without Ukraine’s involvement.
Trump’s Misinformation
Zelensky said Trump exists in a “disinformation space” but respects him as a leader. He also praised the American people for supporting Ukraine. The accusations followed a high-level meeting between US and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ukraine was excluded from the discussions, causing frustration in Kyiv. Officials from both nations agreed to appoint teams for negotiations.
Ukraine Excluded
Zelensky criticized the US for negotiating with Russia without Ukraine’s participation. He stated the talks helped Putin break isolation. Russia has faced global condemnation since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s comments came after Ukraine complained about being excluded from the discussions. He suggested Ukraine should have ended the war by now.
False Accusations
Trump falsely claimed Ukraine could have prevented the war. His remarks align with Russian propaganda, which blames Ukraine for the conflict. The war began in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Russia also supported separatists in eastern Ukraine before invading in 2022. Moscow’s full-scale attack included bombings and assassination attempts on Zelensky.
Zelensky Responds
Zelensky pushed back against Trump’s narrative, saying it echoed Kremlin propaganda. He also addressed Trump’s comments about Ukraine’s elections. Trump incorrectly suggested Zelensky lacked legitimacy due to martial law. The Ukrainian president rejected this claim, citing recent polling data. His approval rating remains above 50%, despite the war.
Election Situation
Zelensky was elected in 2019 with 73% of the vote. His term was extended due to martial law preventing elections. Trump falsely claimed Zelensky’s approval rating was just 4%, a number pushed by Russia. Zelensky said Kyiv had evidence this misinformation was discussed between the US and Russia. He cited a poll showing his approval is actually 57%.
War Continues
Despite ongoing battles, Ukraine remains determined to defend its sovereignty. Kyiv insists no peace deal can happen without its participation. Zelensky warned against legitimizing Russian narratives that blame Ukraine. He continues seeking international support to resist Russian aggression.
