Trump Blames Ukraine for Prolonged War; Zelenskyy Accuses Him of Spreading Russian Disinformation

Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy escalated on Wednesday after Trump suggested that Ukraine could have ended the war with Russia sooner by striking a deal years ago. His remarks came as Ukraine expressed frustration over being excluded from recent diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia.

Zelenskyy, responding to Trump’s claims, accused him of echoing Russian “disinformation.” While expressing respect for the former U.S. president, he called for more accuracy from Trump’s team. “I would like Trump’s team to be more truthful,” Zelenskyy said, just hours before meeting Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, in Kyiv.

Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine marks a shift in U.S. policy, signaling a move away from isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows high-level discussions between American and Russian diplomats in Riyadh, where European and Ukrainian officials were notably absent.

Trump’s latest comments blaming Ukraine for the war have further strained relations. The full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, and as the conflict nears its fourth year, Trump suggested Ukraine had mishandled the situation.

“You’ve been there for three years,” Trump said to reporters on Tuesday. “You should’ve never started it. You could have made a deal.”

His remarks drew criticism from European leaders, including French government spokesperson Sophie Primas, who described Trump’s statements as “varied and often incomprehensible.” French President Emmanuel Macron announced a video conference with over 15 European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s security and strategy moving forward.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in, reaffirming Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine. When asked about Trump’s comments during an event in Montreal, Trudeau avoided directly naming the former U.S. president but emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

“That is why Canada and our allies are unequivocal in standing up against Vladimir Putin’s illegal, immoral, unjust violations of the international order,” Trudeau stated.

He also reiterated that any decision about Ukraine must include Ukrainian leadership, pushing back against diplomatic maneuvers that sideline Kyiv.

As diplomatic tensions rise, Ukraine continues to seek stronger backing from Western allies, particularly as discussions between the U.S. and Russia unfold without its direct involvement. The situation underscores the growing divisions in international policy toward the war and how key global leaders view its resolution.