Trump calls Zelensky a "dictator" in latest smear
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President Trump delivers remarks after signing an executive order on Feb. 18. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
President Trump escalated his attacks against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday by calling him "a dictator without elections."
Why it matters: The smear marks a new low in the deteriorating U.S.-Ukraine relationship. It comes as the Trump administration is negotiating a deal with the Kremlin to end Russia's war in Ukraine without Kyiv's participation in the talks.
Driving the news: "A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered."
- Trump referred to Zelensky as a "modestly successful comedian" and claimed he "talked the United States of America" into spending billions of dollars to "go into a War that couldn't be won."
- Trump also said that the U.S. is "successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia."
- He also reiterated his claim that Zelensky refuses to hold elections.
Reality check: Zelensky was democratically elected in a fair and free election. Under its constitution, Ukraine can postpone a scheduled election in wartime, and it did so last year because of the Russian invasion.
- Trump has never called Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator.
Catch up quick: Earlier this week, U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss the war without inviting Ukraine to participate.
- After Zelensky complained that the U.S. has been working with Russia behind its back, Trump replied with public accusations against the Ukrainian president, falsely suggesting Ukraine started the war and that Zelensky is deeply unpopular with his own people.
- Zelensky responded by accusing Trump of living in a "disinformation space" created by the Kremlin.
The big picture: Putin expressed satisfaction on Wednesday about the negotiations with the U.S. and claimed that Ukraine would not be excluded from the process, Reuters reported.
- He added that he would be happy to meet Trump but clarified that such a meeting needs to be well-prepared.
What they're saying: Zelensky spoke on Wednesday with Sen. Lindsey Graham — a close Trump ally — about the president's comments. The Ukrainian president said he appreciates the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress for Ukraine.
- "Senator Graham is constructive and doing a lot to help bring peace closer. It's all-important that security guarantees remain on the table—and that they work for Ukraine, for real and lasting peace," Zelensky said.
- Zelensky spoke earlier on Wednesday with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
- In a statement, Zelensky didn't refer directly to Trump's comments but stressed "we cannot allow Putin to deceive everyone again. Before any potential negotiations, all partners must clearly understand that strong security guarantees are the priority for lasting peace.
What's next: Zelensky is expected to meet on Thursday in Kyiv with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg.
- "I told Zelensky we are working on a solution and asked him to give it time," Graham told Axios.
- Zelensky said it is "crucial" that his meeting with Kellogg "and our overall cooperation with the U.S.—remains constructive."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional statements.
