A Blunt Assessment from Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has now entered its fourth year. Speaking at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on February 19, 2025, Trump questioned Ukraine’s decision to engage in the conflict and expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks.
Peace Talks Without Ukraine
The United States, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been leading efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. During a meeting in Riyadh, Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to appoint high-level teams to negotiate a resolution. However, Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to any talks that exclude Ukraine, stating, “No decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine.”
Trump’s Harsh Reality Check
Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of Zelenskyy and the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the devastating impact of the war, describing Ukrainian cities as “absolutely decimated” and comparing the destruction to that seen in Gaza. He also questioned Zelenskyy’s leadership, pointing out the Ukrainian president’s low approval rating and the lack of elections under martial law.
“The country is being blown to smithereens; most of the cities are laying on their sides. The buildings are collapsed, it looks like a massive demolition site,” Trump said.
Questions Over Financial Aid
Trump raised concerns about the billions of dollars in aid provided to Ukraine by the U.S. and NATO, questioning how the funds have been used. “I believe President Zelenskyy said last week that he doesn’t know where half of the money is,” Trump remarked. He emphasized the need for accountability, especially given the scale of destruction and loss of life.
A Call for Peace
Despite his criticisms, Trump expressed a desire to see the war end. “I think I have the power to end this war,” he said, suggesting that the conflict could have been avoided or resolved earlier with stronger leadership. He also took aim at President Biden, blaming his administration’s “incompetent leadership” for the escalation of the war.
Zelenskyy Postpones Saudi Arabia Trip
In response to the ongoing diplomatic developments, Zelenskyy has postponed his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia, originally set for February 21, to March 10. The move appears to be an effort to avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings during this critical period.
