U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a “dictator” on Wednesday, cautioning that he must act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing his nation. This statement has intensified the ongoing conflict between the two leaders, raising concerns among European officials.

Trump’s remarks came just a day after he suggested that Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s invasion in 2022, further alarming U.S. allies in Europe about the potential implications of his strategy for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which may inadvertently favor Moscow.

In a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the war, Trump has moved away from efforts to isolate Russia, initiating a phone call with President Putin and facilitating discussions between senior officials from both nations, effectively sidelining Ukraine.

“A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left,” Trump stated on social media, using an alternative spelling of the Ukrainian president’s name. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha asserted that no external pressure could compel Ukraine to capitulate.

“We will defend our right to exist,” Sybiha declared on X. Later, while addressing investors and executives in Miami, Trump reiterated his accusations, labeling Zelenskiy a “dictator” and implying that the Ukrainian leader was prolonging the conflict to maintain U.S. military aid.

Zelenskiy’s current term is set to conclude in 2024; however, elections are not feasible under the martial law imposed in February 2022 due to Russia’s invasion. Trump’s comments followed Zelenskiy’s assertion that the U.S. president was echoing Russian disinformation by claiming that Ukraine “should never have started” the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also cautioned Zelenskiy against “badmouthing” Trump.

Vance remarked in his West Wing office, as reported by the Daily Mail, that anyone familiar with the president would agree that this is a deplorable approach to managing the current administration. Russia has taken control of approximately 20% of Ukraine and continues to gradually expand its territory in the eastern region. Moscow claims that its “special military operation” is a response to an existential threat stemming from Kyiv’s aspirations for NATO membership, while Ukraine and its Western allies characterize Russia’s actions as an imperialistic land grab.

The Ukrainian president countered Trump’s claim that his approval rating was merely 4%, labeling it as Russian disinformation and asserting that any efforts to oust him would be unsuccessful. “We have evidence that these figures are being discussed between America and Russia. Unfortunately, President Trump exists within this disinformation framework,” Zelenskiy stated during an interview with Ukrainian television.

A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in early February indicated that 57% of Ukrainians express trust in Zelenskiy. In response to Trump’s recent comments, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that Zelenskiy remains in office following legitimate elections. When questioned about the origins of the conflict, Dujarric affirmed that Russia was the aggressor in the invasion of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump’s characterization of Zelenskiy as a dictator, calling it “false and dangerous,” according to the German newspaper Spiegel. Additionally, Australia, a U.S. security ally that has contributed A$1.5 billion in support to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, dismissed Trump’s claims regarding Ukraine.

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine must align with Ukraine’s conditions, asserting that Russia is the aggressor in this situation. Opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed his disagreement with former President Trump, stating, “I believe President Trump is mistaken.”

Dutton further articulated that Australia should firmly support the Ukrainian people, highlighting that Ukraine is a democracy engaged in a struggle for civilization. He characterized Vladimir Putin as a “murderous dictator” and insisted that no concessions should be made to him.

Some of Trump’s Republican colleagues in Congress voiced their dissent regarding the characterization of Ukrainian President Zelenskiy as a dictator, suggesting that Ukraine shares some responsibility for the invasion by Russia. However, they refrained from directly criticizing Trump, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a consistent advocate for Ukraine, indicating that Trump should be given “space” to negotiate a peace agreement.

EUROPE LEFT SCRAMBLING

Zelenskiy has proposed allowing U.S. companies to extract valuable minerals from Ukraine in exchange for U.S. security assurances. He recently turned down a U.S. proposal that would have allocated 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals, including lithium, to the United States, arguing that the deal prioritized American interests over Ukraine’s, stating, “I can’t sell our country.”

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that Ukraine had “more or less” accepted the proposal and expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv. He indicated his intention to revive discussions regarding the minerals deal.

European officials have been left astonished and unprepared by the recent actions of the Trump administration concerning Ukraine.

During a subsequent gathering of European leaders in Paris, which was quickly organized by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier in the day, there were renewed calls for urgent measures to assist Ukraine and enhance Europe’s defense capabilities; however, few definitive actions were taken. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to visit Washington next week, as noted by White House national security adviser Mike Waltz.

In light of recent criticisms from Trump, Zelenskiy engaged in discussions regarding potential peace agreements with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Macron, and Starmer, emphasizing the necessity of security guarantees. Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelenskiy as Ukraine’s democratically elected leader, as stated by his office on Wednesday.

Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy to Ukraine, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to meet with Zelenskiy, expressing his understanding of the “need for security guarantees” and indicating that part of his role would be to “sit and listen.”

On the same day, the 27-member European Union approved a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum and vessels suspected of transporting sanctioned Russian oil. Trump mentioned the possibility of meeting with Putin this month. In Moscow, Putin indicated that Ukraine would not be excluded from peace talks, but success would hinge on building trust between Moscow and Washington.

Putin, speaking a day after the first discussions between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh aimed at resolving the conflict, noted that establishing a summit with Trump would require time, although both leaders have expressed a desire for such a meeting.

Ukraine and European nations were not included in the discussions held in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, raising concerns that Russia and the U.S. might reach an agreement that overlooks their critical security interests. Zelenskiy stated in a video address on Wednesday that Ukraine was relying on “the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America.” Trump asserted that Europe must take greater responsibility to ensure any ceasefire agreement.