Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to criticism from Donald Trump, stating that his US counterpart is “residing in a disinformation realm” manipulated by Russia. Following US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia that omitted Ukraine, President Trump appeared to lay blame on Ukraine for the conflict and insinuated that Zelensky’s approval rating was as low as 4%.
In the aftermath of the talks, Russia’s Vladimir Putin expressed high regard for the discussions in Riyadh and relayed that Trump had assured him Ukraine would be included in future negotiations. Zelensky acknowledged America’s prerogative to address bilateral matters but criticized the US for aiding Putin in “breaking free from years of isolation”.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a participant in the talks, commended President Trump for endorsing Moscow’s assertion that a key factor behind the conflict was the Biden administration’s push to involve Ukraine in NATO. Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, visited Kyiv on a fact-finding mission after not being part of the US delegation that engaged with Russian officials in Riyadh.
Nearly three years since Russia initiated a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, European nations are scrambling to respond to recent developments. French President Emmanuel Macron held informal discussions on Ukraine with leaders from various European countries and Canada.
During a press briefing, Zelensky accused Russia of spreading falsehoods during the “infamous meeting” in Riyadh, where the US and Russia agreed to commence talks to end the war. Referring to Trump, Zelensky remarked, “With all respect to President Donald Trump as a leader… he is dwelling in this disinformation realm.”
Zelensky rebutted Russia’s claims about his approval rating, asserting that Ukraine possesses evidence disproving the disinformation being disseminated and suggested those figures were being discussed between the US and Russia. Although Zelensky secured a five-year term in 2019, elections have been halted since the declaration of martial law following Russia’s invasion.
Addressing questions about his popularity, Zelensky mentioned that one opinion poll placed his approval at 58%. He invited Trump’s envoy to Ukraine to explore Kyiv firsthand and emphasized that Ukraine would not be bartered for future security guarantees entailing significant US interests in Ukrainian resources.
Zelensky estimated the war’s cost at $320 billion, with approximately $200 billion coming from the US and EU. While acknowledging American support, he refuted claims that 90% of Ukraine’s assistance originated from the US. Zelensky underscored the necessity of pressuring Russia, branding the nation as governed by untrustworthy individuals.
Trump retorted to criticisms during a media briefing at Mar-a-Lago, asserting that Ukraine had previously been engaged in peace talks and shifting blame onto Putin for instigating the conflict. European allies have voiced disapproval of Trump’s statements, with German Foreign Minister Annal
At a crucial juncture for security and peace in Europe, Annalena Baerbock, the Green Party candidate for Chancellor in Germany, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are at an existential waypoint for security and peace in Europe.”
The French government’s spokeswoman, Sophie Primas, expressed bewilderment at the “American logic” concerning the ongoing crisis, while reaffirming France’s unwavering support for Ukraine. In a gathering of leaders from various European Nato member states in Paris on Monday, discussions revolved around potential measures to aid Ukraine in the face of escalating tensions.
Among the proposals put forth was the deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine, a move that was met with strong opposition from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who deemed it unacceptable. In contrast, former US President Donald Trump welcomed the idea, describing it as “great” and signaling support for the initiative, albeit clarifying that US troops would not be part of the mission due to the logistical distance.
The contrasting viewpoints and diplomatic maneuvers highlight the complex interplay of interests and alliances shaping the response to the evolving crisis in Eastern Europe. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community faces critical decisions that could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as key stakeholders navigate the intricate web of geopolitics and diplomacy in pursuit of a resolution that upholds peace and security in the region.
