Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy escalated on Wednesday after Trump called the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” fueling controversy over Ukraine’s leadership amid the ongoing war with Russia.
“I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job—his country is shattered, and millions have unnecessarily died,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He further warned, “Zelensky better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left.”
Trump’s comments came in response to Zelenskyy’s earlier remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where the Ukrainian president accused Trump of echoing Russian disinformation. Trump had previously questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as president, citing Ukraine’s postponed elections.
Ukraine was set to hold presidential elections in March or April 2024, marking the end of Zelenskyy’s first five-year term. However, elections were delayed under martial law, which has been in place since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. The Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during wartime, a point Kyiv has repeatedly defended against Kremlin-backed narratives questioning Zelenskyy’s authority.
Addressing the election debate, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine’s focus remains on national survival rather than political contests. “I am open to discussing elections, but my priority is defending the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, scrutiny has been placed on Russia’s presidential election in March 2024, in which Vladimir Putin secured a fifth term with 88% of the vote. The election was widely criticized for its lack of credible opposition, as key challengers—including Alexei Navalny—were barred from running. International observers have largely dismissed the vote as neither free nor fair.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the growing political rift between Trump and Zelenskyy raises questions about future U.S. support for Kyiv, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.