Trump Escalates Attacks on Zelenskyy as GOP Lawmakers Push Back
Former President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, questioning his leadership and dismissing his role in peace negotiations as tensions between the two leaders became increasingly public.
Speaking on Fox News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Trump said he had been observing Zelenskyy for years and criticized his handling of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia’s invasion.
“I’ve been watching this man for years now, as his cities get demolished, as his people get killed, as the soldiers get decimated,” Trump said. “I’ve been watching for years, and I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards, and you get sick of it. You just get sick of it. And I’ve had it.”
U.S. and Russia Hold Talks Without Ukraine
The former president’s remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and its allies to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Over the weekend, senior U.S. officials traveled to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian officials. Ukraine was not present at the meeting.
Following the talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that preliminary discussions included re-establishing diplomatic staffing and potential economic incentives for Russia should it agree to end the war. However, Trump dismissed Zelenskyy’s role in such negotiations, saying, “He’s been at meetings for three years, and nothing got done. So, I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you. He makes it very hard to make deals. But look what’s happened to his country, it’s been demolished.”
Trump Claims ‘Good Talks’ With Putin, Criticizes Ukraine
Later that day, during a meeting with governors at the White House, Trump emphasized the need for peace talks, stating, “Millions of people are killed. I think, far more people than anyone understands. And we have people that better get to the table, get it ended. Should have never happened.”
Trump also contrasted his interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, saying, “I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy Pushes Back
Zelenskyy has maintained that Ukraine must be included in any peace talks. Speaking last week at the Munich Security Conference, he told NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never. This is the war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.”
Despite Trump’s criticisms, Zelenskyy offered a mixed assessment of his potential influence over Putin. “[Putin] doesn’t want any peace. But I think he’s really a little bit scared about President Trump, and I think the president has this chance and he’s strong, and I think that really he can push Putin to peace negotiations.”
Trump’s Claims Ignite GOP Reactions
Trump’s latest remarks have drawn pushback from members of his own party. On Tuesday, Trump claimed that Ukraine “should have never started” the war—a statement at odds with the well-documented fact that Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Zelenskyy responded by accusing Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble” and echoing Kremlin talking points. In response, Trump referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator” and a “modestly successful comedian.”
During his Fox News Radio interview, Kilmeade repeatedly pressed Trump on Putin’s responsibility for the invasion, asking, “But Mr. President, don’t you think it’s Vladimir Putin that did the invasion unwarranted to try to take back land he had no right to?” Trump evaded the question, instead arguing that his own involvement is the reason both sides are even considering negotiations. “They only want to talk because of me. If I wasn’t involved, they wouldn’t be talking to each other.”
Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) rejected Trump’s assertion that Ukraine was to blame, telling reporters, “I think Vladimir Putin started the war. I also believe, through bitter experience, that Vladimir Putin is a gangster.”
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) echoed Kennedy’s view, adding, “Make no mistake about it, that invasion was the responsibility of one human being on the face of this planet. It was Vladimir Putin.”
A Growing Divide
Trump’s rhetoric on Ukraine has created growing divisions within the Republican Party. While some GOP lawmakers continue to push for strong support of Ukraine, others remain aligned with Trump’s more skeptical stance on U.S. involvement in the conflict. As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over Ukraine policy is likely to remain a defining issue for the party—and for U.S. foreign policy.
