Trump criticizes Zelensky and aligns with Putin's narrative on Ukraine conflict

Donald Trump has recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he should have negotiated with Russia to avoid war. This marks a shift as Trump appears to align more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin's narrative regarding the conflict. On February 19, Trump labeled Zelensky a "dictator" and accused him of prolonging the war for personal gain. This rhetoric echoes Russian propaganda, which portrays Ukraine as the aggressor and undermines its sovereignty. Zelensky responded by highlighting inaccuracies in Trump's claims and reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to defend its territory. He rejected suggestions that the U.S. has ownership of Ukraine's resources in exchange for aid, emphasizing Ukraine's independence.