Trump and Zelenskyy clash as US-Ukraine relations deteriorate over war with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanged sharp criticisms, marking a decline in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Zelenskyy accused Trump of spreading Russian disinformation, while Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator" and criticized Ukraine's delayed elections due to the ongoing war. Trump's comments came as he suggested Ukraine should hold elections despite martial law. He also claimed Zelenskyy misled the U.S. into supporting the war. In response, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine produces a significant portion of its military aid domestically and maintains public trust. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed interest in meeting Trump, following talks aimed at improving U.S.-Russia relations. Putin dismissed Zelenskyy's concerns about being excluded from negotiations, stating that Ukraine would not be left out of the peace process.