Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticised recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump is influenced by Russian disinformation.
The comments come in response to Trump’s assertion that Ukraine bears significant responsibility for the ongoing war with Russia and his suggestion that Zelensky should immediately organise elections for a new head of state.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy refuted Trump’s claims, stating that Ukraine is the victim of unprovoked Russian aggression. He also highlighted that the U.S. administration’s engagement with Moscow, particularly through recent bilateral negotiations in Riyadh, risks undermining efforts to maintain global pressure on Russia.
US-Ukraine Relations and Security Concerns
Zelenskyy underlined the growing importance of support from European Union countries and the United Kingdom, particularly if U.S. military and financial assistance to Ukraine is reduced. His remarks reflect concerns in Kyiv over Washington’s shifting stance, as Trump has repeatedly questioned the extent of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Addressing economic agreements, Zelenskyy rejected a proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal on Ukraine’s natural resources, stating that he was “not ready to agree” to such terms. He emphasised that Ukraine’s sovereignty was not for sale and rejected any notion of making significant concessions to Russia in pursuit of a peace settlement.
The Ukrainian leader also opposed any reference to the war as a “conflict,” pointing out that similar terminology had been used by previous U.S. administrations. He reiterated that the war was a direct consequence of Russian aggression and that any attempt to downplay this reality played into Moscow’s narrative.
Elections in Wartime: Zelensky Responds to Trump’s Call
Trump’s remarks about Zelenskyy’s alleged unpopularity and his call for immediate presidential elections were met with strong criticism from Kyiv. Zelensky cited recent polling figures suggesting that 57% of Ukrainians still trust him, while dismissing suggestions that he should be replaced.
He also pointed out the logistical and security challenges of holding elections during an ongoing war. Ukrainian military and political figures, including former President Petro Poroshenko and General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, have previously argued that discussions about elections at this stage would weaken Ukraine’s position, particularly as Russian forces continue their attacks.
The demand for elections, Zelenskyy argued, is being exploited by Russia as part of its broader strategy to destabilise Ukraine. He recalled statements from former Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, who predicted that Ukraine would cease to exist as a state in 2025. According to Zelensky, the Kremlin’s goal is not simply a change in leadership but the total subjugation of Ukraine to Russian influence.
NATO and Security Guarantees
On the subject of security, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that NATO remains Ukraine’s primary guarantee against future Russian aggression. While he acknowledged that American military personnel are not required on Ukrainian soil, he questioned whether Ukraine could receive licences to produce key air defence systems such as Patriot missiles.
Ukraine, he noted, faces an urgent shortage of missiles to defend against continued Russian airstrikes. The Ukrainian air force regularly reports missile and drone attacks from Russian forces, and Kyiv has repeatedly called for increased military aid from its allies.
Beyond NATO, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks concrete security guarantees this year. He argued that while some in the West may be reluctant to discuss Ukraine’s accession to NATO, effective security arrangements must be put in place to prevent Russia from continuing its aggression.
Trump, Russia, and the Global Impact
Zelenskyy also suggested that Trump’s statements reflected a broader geopolitical shift that could play into Russia’s hands. He warned that Trump’s approach to Ukraine could embolden Vladimir Putin, who sees negotiations with the U.S. as an opportunity to break Russia’s international isolation.
The Ukrainian leader pointed to ongoing Russian missile strikes as evidence that Moscow has no intention of ending its military campaign. He argued that Russia views the U.S. as weak and seeks to leverage Trump’s willingness to engage in talks to its advantage.
While Zelenskyy acknowledged that he wants Ukraine and the U.S. to succeed together, he insisted that any agreement on Ukraine’s security and economic future must come with firm guarantees. He dismissed the idea of rushing into deals that lack clarity, urging further discussions to ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability and independence.
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