Trump and Zelensky trade insults as tensions rise over Ukraine war

US President Trump

The war of words between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached new heights on Wednesday, with each leader accusing the other of distorting the truth and exacerbating the ongoing conflict. Trump labelled Zelensky a “dictator” who started the war, while Zelensky fired back, accusing Trump of spreading lies about Ukraine and the war with Russia.

The exchange comes at a time when concerns are mounting in both the United States and Europe over the potential geopolitical shift in US policy toward Russia, which could have long-lasting implications for the international order, according to The Washington Post.

Trump’s comments stir controversy

Trump’s remarks, which began on February 18, have caused a stir across the political spectrum. He claimed that Ukraine had started the war with Russia and suggested that Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate with Russia early in the conflict contributed to the escalation of violence. Trump also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as president, calling him a “dictator without elections.” These comments echo some of the Kremlin’s narratives and have been met with widespread condemnation from both Ukrainian officials and members of the US Senate.

Trump’s position is strikingly different from his previous stance during his first term, when he was often seen as sympathetic toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now, his comments are raising alarm in Washington, with critics arguing that Trump’s rhetoric could embolden Putin and weaken Ukraine’s position in the conflict, as reported by The Washington Post. The former president’s remarks were also criticized by European leaders, who have expressed concern over his apparent alignment with Putin’s talking points.

Zelensky responds forcefully

In response to Trump’s comments, Zelensky has called the former president’s remarks “disinformation” and accused him of spreading falsehoods to justify Russia’s actions. Speaking from his office, Zelensky said, “I wish Trump’s team had more truth.” The Ukrainian president also emphasized that Ukraine was a victim of Russia’s unprovoked invasion and that his country had every right to defend itself.

The war of words escalated when Trump fired back on social media, calling Zelensky a “modestly successful comedian” who had convinced the United States to spend billions on a war that Trump claimed “couldn’t be won.” Trump exaggerated the amount of money spent by the US, citing $350 billion, nearly double the actual figure. His comments included further attacks on Zelensky’s popularity, despite polling showing that Zelensky enjoys the trust of over 50% of Ukrainians, compared to Trump’s lower approval ratings in the US.

Divisions within the GOP

Trump’s comments have sparked divisions within the Republican Party, with some senators supporting the former president’s stance, while others have pushed back. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) emphasized that Russia was the aggressor in the war, while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) stated that he would not use the term “dictator” to describe Zelensky. Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) called on more Republicans to speak out against Trump’s rhetoric, saying that “no one believes that other than Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.”

The internal divisions within the GOP reflect broader concerns over the future of US foreign policy, particularly as Trump’s rhetoric increasingly aligns with Russian talking points. While some Republicans continue to support robust US aid to Ukraine, others, including Trump, advocate for a quicker end to the conflict, even if it means compromising Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Europe reacts to the shifting US stance

European leaders, who have been crucial in supporting Ukraine during the conflict, have expressed alarm over Trump’s comments. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas described Trump’s rhetoric as “incomprehensible,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it “wrong and dangerous.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington, also expressed support for Zelensky, as did French President Emmanuel Macron. These reactions underscore the growing concern among Western allies about the shifting US stance on Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.

What’s next for US policy?

The war of words between Trump and Zelensky is more than just a political dispute—it signals a potential shift in US foreign policy that could have profound implications for the future of global security. As tensions between the US and Russia continue to rise, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The next few months will be critical in determining whether the US continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression or whether Trump’s isolationist approach gains more traction within the Republican Party.