Trump escalates criticism of Ukraine and Zelensky amid Kremlin approval

Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming Ukraine is responsible for the war and questioning Zelensky's legitimacy as a leader. This follows Trump's recent phone call with Vladimir Putin and U.S. peace talks that excluded Zelensky. Zelensky responded by suggesting Trump is misinformed and living in a "disinformation bubble." He emphasized that claims about his low approval rating are false and stem from Russian propaganda. Putin and former Russian officials have expressed approval of Trump's remarks, viewing them as a shift in U.S. policy. Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed Zelensky's status as a democratically elected leader, contrasting Trump's statements.