US President Donald Trump on Wednesday attacked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” and further straining their relationship.
Trump’s comments came after Zelensky criticized US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which Ukraine was excluded from.
Zelensky suggested that President Trump was “living in a disinformation space” influenced by Moscow.
Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump responded by saying Zelensky was only good at manipulating former US President Joe Biden.
The “dictator” remark sparked backlash from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it “wrong and dangerous” to deny Zelensky’s legitimacy as a democratically elected leader.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support for Zelensky in a phone call, backing him as Ukraine’s elected leader.
A Downing Street spokesperson pointed out that suspending elections during wartime, like the UK did during World War II, was “perfectly reasonable.”
Zelensky’s five-year term was set to end in May 2024, but elections are on hold due to the ongoing war with Russia, which began with its invasion in February 2022.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also criticized Trump’s use of the word “dictator,” calling the remarks “absurd.” She said:
<blockquote>
If you look at the real world instead of just firing off a tweet, then you know who in Europe has to live in the conditions of a dictatorship: people in Russia, people in Belarus.
</blockquote>
Speaking in Florida, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator,” just hours after using the same term in a Truth Social post about the Ukrainian president. Said Trump:
<blockquote>
He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?
</blockquote>
Trump also mentioned his efforts to secure rare-earth minerals from Ukraine, accusing Zelensky’s government of “breaking the deal.”
His speech echoed a Truth Social post where he criticized Zelensky, saying, “He has done a terrible job, his country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died.”
Trump also claimed that the US was “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.”
A White House official explained that Trump’s post was a response to Zelensky’s “disinformation” comments.
On Tuesday, US and Russian officials held their first high-level face-to-face talks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s former prime minister, told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjev2j70v19o">BBC</a> that Russia was likely celebrating Trump’s remarks.
He also defended Zelensky, calling him a “completely legitimate president” and stating that elections can’t be held under martial law.

Pindula News

US President Donald Trump called Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator" and criticized their relationship. Zelensky had criticized US-Russia talks and suggested Trump was influenced by Moscow. European leaders, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, supported Zelensky. Zelensky's term was to end in 2024, but war with Russia postponed elections. Trump accused Zelensky of not having elections and failing as a leader. Former Ukrainian prime minister defended Zelensky as a legitimate president.US and Russian officials held talks after the invasion. Russia likely celebrated Trump's remarks.

Trump Labels Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky A "Dictator"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been criticised for showing “desperation” during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Konstantinosky Palace in the Petrodvorets district of St. Petersburg, Strelna village, two days ago.
Mnangagwa told Putin that Western countries are consolidating their power in Zambia “in terms of security and in terms of financial support” thereby isolating Zimbabwe.
However, it is not true that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has a base in Zambia.
Last year, Gen. Michael Langley said that the United States established an Office of Security Cooperation in Zambia but there are no plans to establish a U.S. base in the country.
He said the Office of Security Cooperation is just an office with a desk with an officer manning that desk whose mission is to keep deepening the two countries’ relationship, long-term bilateral security relationship between the United States and Zambia.
Journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono said Zimbabwe is always getting played because the country’s leaders don’t know how to negotiate.
Commenting on video footage of Mnangagwa’s meeting with Putin, Chin’ono said the Zimbabwean President showed desperation in trying to engage with Russia. He wrote on social media:
<blockquote>
You don’t negotiate by selling yourself short, saying that you are lonely and that nobody in the West wants to engage with you.
This approach signals to the other side that you are desperate, revealing that you have no perceived value.
What we saw explains why Zimbabwe is always getting played, our leaders don’t know how to negotiate at all.
He should have said that the West is offering many opportunities to thaw relations, but because of our liberation history with Russia, he prefers to do business with them if they provide a good deal.
By openly stating that Zimbabwe is “desperate” for engagement with the West, the President weakened his position and gave President Putin an advantage in future negotiations.
To get the best deal, it is essential to convey a strong bargaining position and demonstrate the value that Zimbabwe brings to the table.
Highlighting the country’s historical ties with Russia was a good carrot, but emphasising the potential benefits of improved relations with the West was going to be the stick rather than revealing desperation.
What we saw in that video is a glimpse of how Zimbabwe has been sold cheaply in the last 44 years due to incompetent negotiating skills!
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa on Saturday said he reaffirmed the importance of a multipolar world to achieve air and inclusive global development. He posted on social media:
<blockquote>
I had the honour of addressing the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) alongside President Vladimir Putin.
I highlighted the importance of a multipolar world, advocating for fair and inclusive global development.
Zimbabwe stands by the philosophy of “friend to all, enemy to none,” embracing cooperation, partnerships, and investments to drive mutual growth.
I again called for the removal of illegal sanctions and sought strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy to unlock our potential.
Together, we aim to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous world. Zimbabwe is open for business and welcomes partnerships across all sectors.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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