Zelensky urges ‘more truth’ after Trump suggests Ukraine started the war

Zelensky urges ‘more truth’ after Trump suggests Ukraine started the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the Trump administration to respect the truth and avoid disinformation after President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine had started the war with Russia. In his most pointed remarks yet on Trump’s stance, Zelensky emphasized the need for factual discussions and criticized what he described as Trump’s “circle of disinformation.”

Zelensky’s response to Trump’s claims

Speaking from Kyiv, Zelensky urged Trump’s team to acknowledge the reality of the war, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. “I would like to have more truth with the Trump team,” he told reporters. He rejected Trump’s recent assertion that Ukraine was responsible for the war and dismissed claims that his approval rating had plummeted to 4%, citing far higher polling figures.

Zelensky’s comments came in response to Trump’s statement that Ukraine “should have never started it” and that elections should be held as part of peace talks. Ukraine suspended elections under martial law following Russia’s invasion, and Zelensky argued that discussions excluding Ukraine only serve Moscow’s interests.

A shift in diplomatic tone

Until now, Zelensky had avoided direct confrontations with the US, Ukraine’s most crucial ally. However, after the US initiated peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement, he made it clear that Kyiv would not accept terms negotiated in its absence.

Zelensky noted that Russia appeared pleased with the diplomatic shift, suggesting that Moscow welcomed the Trump administration’s approach. “I think Putin and the Russians are very happy because questions are discussed with them,” he said, warning that treating Russia as a victim rather than an aggressor was a dangerous precedent.

Broader implications

Zelensky’s remarks underscore growing tensions over US policy on Ukraine. With Trump’s administration prioritizing negotiations with Russia, Kyiv faces increased uncertainty about continued American support. The developments come amid a war that has left nearly a million people dead or wounded on both sides.

As diplomatic discussions continue, Ukraine remains steadfast in its position: no agreement should be made without its direct involvement, and misinformation should not dictate the course of international negotiations.