President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and questioning the continued flow of U.S. aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump’s remarks, made on Truth Social, took direct aim at Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections in Ukraine, despite receiving billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars.
“He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden ‘like a fiddle.’ A dictator without elections—Zelensky better move fast, or he’s not going to have a country left,” Trump wrote.
Trump Pushes for Peace, Signals Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
Trump’s latest comments come as the U.S. and Russia engage in direct peace talks, notably excluding Zelensky and Ukrainian officials from the negotiations. The move signals a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump prioritizing diplomatic resolutions over endless aid packages.
The former president has repeatedly questioned why the U.S. is spending significantly more on Ukraine than European nations, suggesting that Zelensky has no real incentive to end the war as long as the money keeps flowing.
“Why are American taxpayers funding a war that Europe refuses to pay its fair share for?” Trump has asked. “Zelensky is riding the gravy train, and Biden let him get away with it.”
Zelensky Defends His Leadership, But Faces Mounting Criticism
Zelensky has defended the suspension of elections, claiming that martial law—imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion—makes voting impossible. However, critics argue that other wartime leaders have held elections, including during World War II, and that Zelensky is using the war as an excuse to consolidate power.
As Trump pressures Europe to take more responsibility for Ukraine’s defense, there are growing concerns in Kyiv that U.S. aid may soon dry up—especially if Trump prioritizes direct negotiations with Russia.
America First: No More Blank Checks for Ukraine
Trump’s stance reflects his America First foreign policy, focusing on ending foreign entanglements and ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars serve American interests—not foreign governments.
With Trump back in charge, the era of unlimited aid to Ukraine may be coming to an end—and Zelensky may soon find himself without a U.S. blank check to fund his war.