Zelensky Accuses Trump of Spreading Kremlin Disinformation
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused former US President Donald Trump of repeating Kremlin-backed disinformation after Trump falsely claimed Ukraine started the war with Russia. This marks one of the most public exchanges between Kyiv and Washington since the war began nearly three years ago.
Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed respect for Trump and the American people but criticized the former president for perpetuating false narratives. “Unfortunately, President Trump lives in this disinformation space,” Zelensky said.
US-Russia Talks Exclude Ukraine, Sparking Tensions
The controversy arose after high-level talks between US and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, excluded Ukraine. The two sides agreed to appoint teams to negotiate an end to the war, but Zelensky argued that excluding Kyiv undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“Any country has the right to discuss bilateral issues with Saudi Arabia, but direct talks with Russia help Putin out of his long isolation,” Zelensky stated.
For more on the geopolitical dynamics of the Ukraine war, visit BBC News.
Trump’s False Claims Echo Kremlin Narratives
Trump’s remarks, made at his Mar-a-Lago resort, falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war and questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy. “You should’ve never started it. You could’ve made a deal,” Trump said, echoing Kremlin propaganda.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Trump for aligning with Moscow’s narrative, calling it a “signal” that Trump understands Russia’s position.
The True Origins of the Ukraine War
The conflict began in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion, attacking Ukrainian cities and attempting to assassinate Zelensky.
Russia has falsely claimed that NATO’s expansion threatened its security, using this as a justification for its aggression. NATO, however, maintains an open-door policy for European nations meeting its criteria.
For a detailed timeline of the Ukraine war, visit Council on Foreign Relations.
Zelensky’s Approval Ratings Debunk Trump’s Claims
Trump also falsely claimed Zelensky’s approval rating was at 4%, a figure propagated by Russian sources. Zelensky pointed to a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) showing his approval rating at 57%.
“The claim that my approval rating is 4% comes from Russia,” Zelensky said, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy in discussions about Ukraine.
Stand with Ukraine for Truth and Peace
Misinformation undermines efforts to achieve peace and justice. Stand with Ukraine by sharing accurate information and supporting initiatives that promote truth and accountability. Use the hashtag #StandWithUkraine to join the global conversation.
This article refutes false claims about the Ukraine war and highlights the importance of accurate information in shaping global perspectives. For more updates on the conflict, follow Kyiv Independent.