Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, questioning his leadership, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the financial burden the conflict has placed on the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the U.S. has invested billions into a war that he believes “couldn’t be won” while Europe contributes less but reaps guaranteed returns.

Trump’s remarks come amid growing debates over U.S. financial aid to Ukraine and the effectiveness of the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict. The former president criticized what he called an uneven financial commitment, emphasizing that Europe should bear a greater share of the burden.

Trump’s Accusations Against Zelenskyy

Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a “modestly successful comedian” who persuaded the U.S. government into spending “$350 billion” on Ukraine’s war efforts. He asserted that without the U.S. and his leadership, Ukraine would be unable to reach a settlement with Russia.

“The United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back,” Trump wrote. “Why didn’t Sleepy Joe Biden demand equalization? This war is far more important to Europe than it is to us. We have a big, beautiful ocean as separation.”

He further accused Zelenskyy of mishandling the financial aid, referencing reports that claim large portions of U.S. aid remain unaccounted for. “On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is ‘MISSING,’” Trump stated. “He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden ‘like a fiddle.’ A dictator without elections, Zelenskyy better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left.”
 

A War That ‘Should Have Never Happened’

Trump reiterated his long-standing position that the war in Ukraine was avoidable and that it never would have occurred under his administration. He claimed that the Biden administration and European leaders have failed in their attempts to broker peace, while he alone could successfully negotiate an end to the war.

“In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia, something all admit only ‘TRUMP’ and the Trump Administration can do,” he wrote. “Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going.”

The former president also criticized Zelenskyy’s governance, stating that Ukraine is in ruins because of poor leadership. “I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job. His country is shattered, and millions have unnecessarily died—and so it continues.”

Trump’s Confidence in Peace Talks with Russia

Trump’s comments followed reports that U.S. officials had engaged in discussions with Russian representatives over potential pathways to ending the war. The former president expressed optimism about the developments, describing the talks as “very good.”

“Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the barbarianism that’s going on over there. Soldiers are being killed by thousands on a weekly basis. Apart from Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, a lot of Koreans have been killed,” Trump stated while signing executive orders at Mar-a-Lago.

He insisted that if he were in office, the war would never have escalated to this level. “We want to end it. It’s a senseless war. It should have never happened; it would have never happened if I were President.”

The Debate Over U.S. Aid to Ukraine

Trump’s criticisms come at a time when U.S. financial and military support for Ukraine is under increasing scrutiny. As the war drags on, many Americans have expressed concerns over the allocation of taxpayer money to a foreign conflict with no clear end in sight.

The Biden administration has remained firm in its support for Ukraine, arguing that continued aid is crucial for maintaining European security and deterring Russian aggression. However, some Republican lawmakers echo Trump’s sentiments, pushing for greater accountability and questioning whether the U.S. should continue providing financial assistance at current levels.

Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy “refuses to have elections” also touches on a controversial subject. Ukraine’s parliamentary and presidential elections were postponed due to martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion. While Zelenskyy has stated that elections could take place if security conditions allow, critics argue that indefinitely delaying elections undermines democratic principles.

International Reactions to Trump’s Comments

Trump’s remarks have sparked reactions from both Ukrainian and European leaders. Kyiv has consistently emphasized the necessity of U.S. aid, arguing that any withdrawal of support would embolden Russian forces.

Ukrainian officials have also dismissed accusations of financial mismanagement, asserting that all funds are used for military and humanitarian purposes. Zelenskyy has previously invited independent audits of U.S. aid to ensure transparency and accountability.

In Europe, Trump’s comments have raised concerns about the potential shift in U.S. policy should he return to office. European allies have relied heavily on American military and economic assistance to support Ukraine, and any reduction in U.S. involvement could alter the balance of power in the region.

Trump’s 2024 Campaign and Foreign Policy Stance

As Trump campaigns for the 2024 presidential election, his stance on Ukraine is likely to be a key component of his foreign policy agenda. His America First doctrine, which prioritizes domestic interests over international commitments, suggests that he may take a more isolationist approach if reelected.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he could negotiate peace between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours, though he has not provided specific details on how he would accomplish this. His strategy appears to be focused on leveraging his personal relationships with world leaders, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin, to bring about a resolution.

His claims that Russia “wants to stop the war” have been met with skepticism, given that Moscow has shown no signs of withdrawing its forces from occupied Ukrainian territories. Critics argue that Trump’s approach could lead to concessions that favor Russia at Ukraine’s expense.

What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?

Trump’s latest comments add to the growing debate over the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. While the Biden administration continues to push for additional aid packages, resistance from Republicans and war fatigue among the American public could make it increasingly difficult to maintain current levels of support.

For Zelenskyy, the challenge remains securing continued military and economic assistance while addressing concerns over governance and transparency. His administration will need to navigate political pressure both at home and abroad to ensure that Ukraine remains a priority for its Western allies.

As the war enters another year, the question remains: Will Trump’s proposed negotiations bring about a resolution, or will his criticism of Zelenskyy and U.S. involvement signal a shift in America’s role on the global stage? Only time will tell.