During a press availability in the Oval Office alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Donald Trump appeared to downplay his recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When asked about labeling Zelensky a 'dictator,' Trump responded sarcastically, 'Did I say that?' before swiftly moving on to the next question.
Last week, Trump had criticized Zelensky after Ukraine initially rejected a proposal related to US rights to Ukraine's mineral deposits. Trump's comments came after Ukraine postponed elections and declared martial law following Russia's invasion, leading Trump to call Zelensky a 'dictator without elections.'
Despite the previous tensions, Zelensky is set to visit the White House tomorrow to sign a deal related to Ukraine's mineral resources. The meeting between the two leaders will be closely watched as they seek to move past recent disagreements and strengthen bilateral relations.
