Former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks on Thursday, attempting to shift blame onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump stated that he believed Zelensky 'should never have let that war start.'
During his comments, Trump praised Zelensky's salesmanship skills, highlighting the significant financial support provided to Ukraine. Trump mentioned that the US had given Ukraine $100 billion, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this aid. Despite expressing sympathy for the Ukrainian people, Trump maintained his stance that Zelensky should have prevented the conflict.
Trump's recent statements align with his past interactions with Putin, where he has shown admiration for the Russian leader. As president, Trump notably sided with Putin over the US intelligence community regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Notably, Trump met with Zelensky at Trump Tower in New York last month during the Ukrainian president's visit to the US for the United Nations General Assembly. Following the meeting, Trump publicly criticized Zelensky's handling of the war in Ukraine, accusing him of failing to negotiate effectively amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite his criticisms of Zelensky, Trump emphasized his positive relationship with both the Ukrainian president and Putin. This dynamic underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump's comments have sparked debate and raised questions about the role of international leaders in addressing the crisis in Ukraine. As the situation continues to evolve, the statements made by influential figures like Trump carry significant weight and may impact diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
