After Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly accused Trump of repeating Russian propaganda, President Trump intensified his attacks on the Ukrainian leader, labeling him a “Dictator without Elections.”
The remarks signaled a dramatic intensification of a conflict that may make attempts to end the war more difficult.
The conversation took place a day after Trump charged Zelensky with inciting the war in Ukraine due to his unwillingness to engage in negotiations.
In response, Trump made a number of charges against Zelensky, claiming that he had “done a terrible job” as president and had abused U.S. assistance.
Trump’s remarks mirrored Putin’s demands that Ukraine hold elections, which are prohibited by Ukrainian legislation in times of war. Since Zelensky’s term ended in 2024, Putin has referred to him as illegitimate.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2025
On Wednesday, Zelensky refuted Trump’s assertions that the United States had provided Ukraine with over $350 billion in aid.
The Ukrainian president stated that the United States has provided $31.5 billion in support for Ukraine’s budget and $67 billion in military assistance, all the while emphasizing Ukraine’s thanks.
Additionally, Zelensky said that Trump has fabricated polling data indicating that he has an approval rating of more than 50%.
In reaction to Trump’s critiques of his leadership and courtship of Putin, Zelensky made his most scathing remarks to date, highlighting a growing divide between Ukraine and the United States, Kyiv’s most significant ally.
Trump has stated his desire to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible. As he talks with Putin about methods to put an end to the invasion, he has increasingly blamed Ukraine—and Zelensky himself—for it.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, made his first official visit to Ukraine on Wednesday. He said he was looking forward to “good, substantial talks” at the Kyiv train station.
Three years of U.S. policy centered on isolating Moscow and supporting Kyiv for as long as it was ready to fight went to an end Tuesday when senior U.S. and Russian officials gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and decided to assign teams to negotiate a conclusion to the war.
Not being involved in negotiations has angered Zelensky, who has stated that Kyiv will not accept accords made without his nation’s participation.
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