Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of spreading disinformation regarding the war in Ukraine. This follows Trump’s recent false claim that Ukraine started the conflict with Russia. The exchange represents one of the most significant public confrontations between Kyiv and Washington since the war began nearly three years ago.
Zelensky Responds to Trump’s False Claims
During a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky directly addressed Trump’s baseless accusations. He strongly rejected the claim that Ukraine instigated the war. Furthermore, Zelensky made it clear that any peace deal should include Ukraine’s active participation.
“Unfortunately, President Trump – I have great respect for him as a leader of a nation we deeply respect – unfortunately lives in this disinformation space,” Zelensky stated. By doing so, he refuted Trump’s claims and underscored Ukraine’s rightful role in peace talks.
Disinformation and False Narratives
Trump’s statements often echo false narratives pushed by the Kremlin. For instance, he falsely suggested that Ukraine was responsible for the war, overlooking Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelensky also took issue with Trump’s claim that his approval rating had dropped to 4%. This figure, which stems from Russian propaganda, is misleading.
In response, Zelensky cited recent polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), which showed his approval rating at 57%, contradicting Trump’s assertion. Clearly, Ukrainian public opinion remains strong, even in the face of ongoing conflict.
Zelensky Criticizes U.S.-Russia Talks Without Ukraine’s Involvement
In addition, Zelensky expressed disappointment over the U.S.-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was excluded. While he acknowledged that countries have the right to hold bilateral discussions, he stressed that excluding Ukraine weakens the peace process. Moreover, he argued that for a lasting resolution, Ukraine must be part of any negotiations, as it is the country directly impacted by the war.
Zelensky’s criticism of these talks further highlights his belief that Ukraine should be at the center of efforts to end the conflict. Without Ukraine’s involvement, he believes the negotiations could be ineffective and unfair.
Ukraine’s Commitment to Democracy
Despite the ongoing war, Zelensky remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s democratic values. Due to martial law, elections are currently suspended. However, this does not diminish the nation’s commitment to democracy. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is focused on maintaining its sovereignty and democratic principles, even amid a brutal war.
Recent polls reinforce the fact that Zelensky enjoys significant support from the Ukrainian people, with approval ratings consistently above 50%, despite the challenges of war. His leadership continues to inspire confidence among the public.
The Global Impact of Disinformation
This exchange between Zelensky and Trump highlights the global significance of disinformation. As false narratives about the war spread, it becomes even more important to share accurate information. In this context, Zelensky’s emphasis on Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks demonstrates the need for a transparent and inclusive process. Only by including Ukraine can the international community hope to find a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict.
