In a pointed response, President Zelensky stated that Donald Trump is "living in a disinformation space" created by Russia after the former US president criticized Ukraine's leadership and support during a recent round of US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia.
Zelensky Accuses Trump of Spreading Russian Disinformation
Zelensky Accuses Trump of Spreading Russian Disinformation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuffs Trump's comments regarding Ukraine's role in the war, asserting the former US president is influenced by Russian disinformation.
Zelensky's firm rebuttal came after Trump suggested in his comments that Ukraine was responsible for the ongoing conflict and indicated significantly low approval ratings for the Ukrainian leader. The Ukrainian president stated it is valid for the US to engage in discussions about bilateral relations, but criticized Trump for helping to rehabilitate Putin's position on the world stage—which he believes has marred the perception of Ukraine's sovereignty.
In addition to Trump's comments, the Russian side praised the engagement, with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov reiterating Moscow's claims regarding NATO's role in the conflict. Meanwhile, Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv to gauge the situation directly from Ukrainian leaders.
Zelensky underscored that evidence contradicts Trump's claims about his unpopularity, citing one poll that suggested a 58% approval rating. He insisted that Trump's visit to Kyiv should be marked by genuine interactions with everyday Ukrainians to understand the situation better.
Moreover, Zelensky emphasized that he would resist any offers that jeopardized Ukraine's autonomy in exchange for future collaborations with the US, further declaring the war has cost Ukraine approximately $320 billion, with a significant portion funded by US and EU contributions. In a broader context, European leaders are evaluating the implications of these discussions and responses, indicating a heightened diplomatic landscape concerning the conflict.
Diplomatic tensions continue to rise as Zelensky calls out the misinformation while European leaders assess their strategies in the face of varying narratives and Trump's continued interference in Ukrainian affairs.
In addition to Trump's comments, the Russian side praised the engagement, with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov reiterating Moscow's claims regarding NATO's role in the conflict. Meanwhile, Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv to gauge the situation directly from Ukrainian leaders.
Zelensky underscored that evidence contradicts Trump's claims about his unpopularity, citing one poll that suggested a 58% approval rating. He insisted that Trump's visit to Kyiv should be marked by genuine interactions with everyday Ukrainians to understand the situation better.
Moreover, Zelensky emphasized that he would resist any offers that jeopardized Ukraine's autonomy in exchange for future collaborations with the US, further declaring the war has cost Ukraine approximately $320 billion, with a significant portion funded by US and EU contributions. In a broader context, European leaders are evaluating the implications of these discussions and responses, indicating a heightened diplomatic landscape concerning the conflict.
Diplomatic tensions continue to rise as Zelensky calls out the misinformation while European leaders assess their strategies in the face of varying narratives and Trump's continued interference in Ukrainian affairs.
