Zelenskyy Accuses Trump of Amplifying Russian Disinformation
Zelenskyy Accuses Trump of Falling for Russian Disinformation Amid Diplomatic Shifts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, asserting that Trump is operating within a “Russian-made disinformation space” due to his administration’s interactions with Kremlin officials.
Speaking ahead of a scheduled meeting with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg, Zelenskyy expressed his hope that Trump’s team would adopt a “more truthful” stance. Kellogg, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, is set to meet with Zelenskyy and Ukrainian military leaders as Washington signals a shift away from years of efforts to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows U.S.-Russia diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, which notably excluded Ukraine and European representatives.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on the War
On Tuesday, Trump suggested that Kyiv bore responsibility for the war, which marks its fourth anniversary next week. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.
“You’ve been there for three years,” Trump told reporters, referencing Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. “You should’ve never started it. You could have made a deal.”
His remarks have sparked concern among European officials. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas questioned Trump’s rationale, calling his statements “diverse, varied, and often incomprehensible.” Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a virtual conference with leaders from over 15 mostly European nations to discuss Ukraine’s security situation.
Tensions escalated further as key European leaders held an emergency meeting in Paris on Monday, responding to what they perceived as growing marginalization under the Trump administration.
Zelenskyy Dismisses Trump’s Claims
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed that Zelenskyy’s approval rating in Ukraine was as low as four percent. Zelenskyy, speaking at a news conference in Kyiv, dismissed the assertion as “disinformation coming from Russia,” accusing Trump of being caught in Moscow’s narrative.
Trump also called for Ukraine to hold elections, which have been postponed under martial law due to the war. While Ukraine was originally scheduled for elections in spring 2024, concerns over the security of displaced citizens and international monitors have delayed the process.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Military Realities
As Russia continues its relentless assault on eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure along the 1,000-kilometer front line.
Kellogg described his visit to Kyiv as an opportunity for “substantial talks,” emphasizing that his mission was to “sit and listen.” The retired three-star general stated that he would relay his findings to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help shape future U.S. policy.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently suggested that Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO as a deterrent against future Russian aggression are unlikely to materialize soon. Zelenskyy has insisted that any potential peace agreement must include U.S. security guarantees to prevent further Russian encroachment.
