Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy, Questions Ukraine War and US Aid Transparency
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, claiming Kyiv could have avoided the war with Russia and should have pursued a peace deal sooner.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump accused Zelenskyy of allowing the war to continue and expressed frustration over Ukraine’s exclusion from recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. He also suggested that European troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal.
Trump reiterated that the war “should have never happened” and insisted it would not have occurred under his presidency. He also drew comparisons between Ukrainian cities and Gaza, emphasizing the destruction caused by the conflict.
Additionally, he criticized former President Joe Biden’s handling of the crisis, calling him “grossly incompetent.” Meanwhile, Zelenskyy voiced disappointment over Kyiv’s exclusion from the US-Russia discussions and emphasized the need for broader international involvement in peace negotiations.
Addressing US aid to Ukraine, Trump questioned the transparency of funds allocated to Kyiv, alleging that Zelenskyy admitted uncertainty over the whereabouts of half the money received. While Congress has approved $175 billion for Ukraine, reports indicate that only around $106 billion has gone directly to the country. Trump’s remarks underscore the growing debate over US support for Ukraine and the future of the conflict.
