U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticisms of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, branding him a “dictator” in a scathing post on his Truth Social platform. The statement, made on Wednesday, adds to the already strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.
Trump accused Zelensky of refusing to hold elections, stating, “A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left.” His remarks mark a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as Trump has also opened talks with Moscow just weeks after returning to the White House.
Zelensky, elected in 2019 for a five-year term, has remained in office under martial law, imposed due to Russia’s ongoing invasion. The Ukrainian leader has denied the accusations, emphasizing his commitment to democracy and national security.