Zelensky reacts to Trump's claims, asserting that the former president is misled by Russian narratives and emphasizes Ukraine's resilience and need for honesty.
**Zelensky Accuses Trump of Propagating Russian Disinformation**
**Zelensky Accuses Trump of Propagating Russian Disinformation**
Ukrainian President highlights misinformation following Trump's critical remarks on Ukraine.
In a recent confrontation of narratives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming he is "living in a disinformation space" fabricated by Russia. This statement follows Trump's comments, where he shifted blame for the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming Zelensky's approval ratings were as low as 4%. The remarks come in the wake of diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine was notably absent.
Following the discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin positively assessed the talks, noting Trump acknowledged Ukraine's role in future negotiations. Zelensky asserted that it was within the U.S.'s rights to engage in bilateral discussions but cautioned that such dialogues could inadvertently aid Putin in escaping the isolation imposed by the international community.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov went as far as thanking Trump for agreeing with the notions that the Biden administration's NATO policies were among the war's "root causes." Meanwhile, Trump's envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has arrived in Kyiv to gather the Ukrainian perspective, though he did not participate in the Riyadh discussions.
As the situation develops nearly three years into full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine, European leaders are responding with urgency. French President Emmanuel Macron has gathered informal meetings with European and Canadian officials to discuss potential strategies. In his statements, Zelensky vehemently rejected the misinformation propagated during the recent Saudi talks, alluding to evidence of Russian disinformation targeting his approval ratings.
While he usually refrains from discussing his popularity, Zelensky pointed to various polls placing his approval at around 58%. He urged Kellogg to experience Kyiv first-hand to understand the realities of the situation. Zelensky reiterated his unwillingness to compromise the country's integrity for security guarantees potentially benefitting the U.S. economically.
He disclosed that the war has inflicted $320 billion in costs on Ukraine, with about $200 billion coming from U.S. and EU assistance. He challenged the narrative that Ukraine is solely reliant on America for its support, implying the truth lies in a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
In his strong condemnation of Russian disinformation, he shared on social media that, “We must never forget that Russia is ruled by pathological liars - they cannot be trusted and must be pressured.”
Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, expressed that Ukraine’s grievances regarding representation were unfounded and suggested that the conflict could have been resolved earlier. European officials, meanwhile, are diversifying their response to Trump’s remarks, asserting that the war was initiated by Russia, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noting this point’s existential significance for Europe.
As conversations unfold, the idea of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine has emerged, although Lavrov dismissed it outright. Trump responded positively to the proposal, expressing that he would support such an initiative, yet withholds U.S. troop deployment due to its geographical remoteness.
Following the discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin positively assessed the talks, noting Trump acknowledged Ukraine's role in future negotiations. Zelensky asserted that it was within the U.S.'s rights to engage in bilateral discussions but cautioned that such dialogues could inadvertently aid Putin in escaping the isolation imposed by the international community.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov went as far as thanking Trump for agreeing with the notions that the Biden administration's NATO policies were among the war's "root causes." Meanwhile, Trump's envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has arrived in Kyiv to gather the Ukrainian perspective, though he did not participate in the Riyadh discussions.
As the situation develops nearly three years into full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine, European leaders are responding with urgency. French President Emmanuel Macron has gathered informal meetings with European and Canadian officials to discuss potential strategies. In his statements, Zelensky vehemently rejected the misinformation propagated during the recent Saudi talks, alluding to evidence of Russian disinformation targeting his approval ratings.
While he usually refrains from discussing his popularity, Zelensky pointed to various polls placing his approval at around 58%. He urged Kellogg to experience Kyiv first-hand to understand the realities of the situation. Zelensky reiterated his unwillingness to compromise the country's integrity for security guarantees potentially benefitting the U.S. economically.
He disclosed that the war has inflicted $320 billion in costs on Ukraine, with about $200 billion coming from U.S. and EU assistance. He challenged the narrative that Ukraine is solely reliant on America for its support, implying the truth lies in a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
In his strong condemnation of Russian disinformation, he shared on social media that, “We must never forget that Russia is ruled by pathological liars - they cannot be trusted and must be pressured.”
Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, expressed that Ukraine’s grievances regarding representation were unfounded and suggested that the conflict could have been resolved earlier. European officials, meanwhile, are diversifying their response to Trump’s remarks, asserting that the war was initiated by Russia, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noting this point’s existential significance for Europe.
As conversations unfold, the idea of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine has emerged, although Lavrov dismissed it outright. Trump responded positively to the proposal, expressing that he would support such an initiative, yet withholds U.S. troop deployment due to its geographical remoteness.
