Trump Sharply Criticizes Zelenskyy, Questions US Aid to Ukraine
President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising concerns about the ongoing conflict and the role of US financial support, Al Jazeera reports.
In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump accused Zelenskyy of exploiting US aid and prolonging the war.
“Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start,” Trump wrote.
He further insinuated Zelenskyy was motivated by personal gain:
“Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going.”
Trump described Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections:”
“Zelenskyy better move fast or he’s not going to have a country left. Gotta move. Gotta move fast cause that war’s going in the wrong direction.”
Trump also touted his ability to negotiate an end to the conflict:
“In the meantime, we’re successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia. Something I’ll admit that only Trump is going to be able to do and the Trump administration – we’re going to be able to do it. I think Putin even admitted that.”
He contrasted his approach with that of the previous administration:
“Biden never tried. Europe has failed to bring peace and Zelenskyy probably wants to, maybe he wants to keep the gravy train going. I don’t know what’s the problem, but he has been able. He’s very upset.”
These remarks follow Zelenskyy’s accusation that Trump was operating within a “Russian-made disinformation space” regarding his views on the war. Trump’s stance towards Zelenskyy has become increasingly critical as he has signaled a willingness to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The war in Ukraine will mark its third anniversary on February 24.
