Western officials support Zelensky in his dispute with Trump
The US president referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator” due to Zelensky’s decision not to conduct elections while martial law is in effect. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Ukrainian leader, Vladimir Zelensky, has gained support from European leaders following US President Donald Trump's characterization of him as a “dictator” due to his decision not to hold elections.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump criticized Zelensky for mishandling the conflict with Russia and misusing US financial aid. He claimed that Zelensky “refuses to have elections” and “is very low in Ukrainian polls.”
Trump's remarks appeared to be a response to Zelensky accusing him of being in a “Russian information bubble.”
Zelensky's presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has opted not to hold elections, citing the ongoing martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that he does not recognize Zelensky as the legitimate leader of Ukraine.
In reaction to Trump’s comments, Czech President Petr Pavel took to X on Wednesday, stating that to label Zelensky a dictator “requires a great deal of cynicism.” He also questioned whether elections could realistically be held in Ukraine while the conflict with Russia persists.
Reports from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office indicated he had reached out to Zelensky to express support for “Ukraine’s democratically elected leader.” He stated that “it was perfectly reasonable to suspend elections during wartime,” drawing a parallel to Britain’s own practices during World War II.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz added his voice on X, asserting that it is “simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky democratic legitimacy.”
Support for Zelensky has also come from several prominent US Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed that “it is disgusting to see an American president turn against one of our friends and openly side with a thug like Vladimir Putin.” He emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine has direct implications for the “security of the American people.”
Senator Adam Schiff similarly accused Trump of abandoning Kiev and appeasing Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that the “rhetoric of Zelensky and many representatives of the Kiev regime in general leaves a lot to be desired.” He remarked that officials in Kiev “often allow themselves to make statements directed toward other heads of state, completely unacceptable things.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump criticized Zelensky for mishandling the conflict with Russia and misusing US financial aid. He claimed that Zelensky “refuses to have elections” and “is very low in Ukrainian polls.”
Trump's remarks appeared to be a response to Zelensky accusing him of being in a “Russian information bubble.”
Zelensky's presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has opted not to hold elections, citing the ongoing martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that he does not recognize Zelensky as the legitimate leader of Ukraine.
In reaction to Trump’s comments, Czech President Petr Pavel took to X on Wednesday, stating that to label Zelensky a dictator “requires a great deal of cynicism.” He also questioned whether elections could realistically be held in Ukraine while the conflict with Russia persists.
Reports from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office indicated he had reached out to Zelensky to express support for “Ukraine’s democratically elected leader.” He stated that “it was perfectly reasonable to suspend elections during wartime,” drawing a parallel to Britain’s own practices during World War II.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz added his voice on X, asserting that it is “simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky democratic legitimacy.”
Support for Zelensky has also come from several prominent US Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed that “it is disgusting to see an American president turn against one of our friends and openly side with a thug like Vladimir Putin.” He emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine has direct implications for the “security of the American people.”
Senator Adam Schiff similarly accused Trump of abandoning Kiev and appeasing Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that the “rhetoric of Zelensky and many representatives of the Kiev regime in general leaves a lot to be desired.” He remarked that officials in Kiev “often allow themselves to make statements directed toward other heads of state, completely unacceptable things.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
