Trump Slams Zelensky, Calls Him a ‘Dictator Without Elections’ Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions

Washington, USA:  Former US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and blaming him for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking at a press conference in Florida on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Zelensky had done a “terrible job” and could have engaged in peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia but chose not to. This follows his scathing social media post where he stated, “Zelensky better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left.”

Trump further alleged that the three-year-long war could have been avoided, saying, “You should have ended it. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal.” He also accused Zelensky of persuading the US to spend $350 billion on a war “that never had to start”.

Despite Ukraine’s claims of being excluded from negotiations, US officials have assured that Ukraine will be an integral part of any peace efforts. US Senator Marco Rubio emphasized that no one is being sidelined and that there will be continuous engagement with Ukraine, European partners, and Russia in seeking a resolution.