Trump warns Zelenskiy to act quickly or risk losing Ukraine, calling him a "dictator"

US President Donald Trump harshly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a "dictator" on Wednesday, warning that he needed to act quickly to secure peace or risk losing his country. The remarks deepened the ongoing conflict between the two leaders, which has raised concerns among European officials. 

Trump's comments came a day after he claimed Ukraine was responsible for Russia's 2022 invasion. This has fueled growing anxiety among US allies in Europe that Trump's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict could ultimately benefit Moscow. 

Trump, less than a month into his presidency, has reversed US policy on the war, reaching out to Russia in a move that sidelined Ukraine. On social media, Trump stated, “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.” 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded by stating that Ukraine would not be forced to surrender. "We will defend our right to exist," he said.

Later, while addressing investors in Miami, Trump reiterated his criticism, calling Zelenskiy a "dictator" and accusing him of prolonging the war to maintain US military aid. Zelenskiy's term was set to end in 2024, but martial law, declared in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion, has prevented elections.

Trump's comments followed Zelenskiy’s remarks that the US president was spreading Russian disinformation when he claimed Ukraine "should never have started" the war.

In response, US Vice President JD Vance advised Zelenskiy to avoid insulting Trump, warning that it was a poor strategy in dealing with the administration.

Russia, having seized around 20% of Ukraine, continues to advance in the east. Moscow claims its "special military operation" is a response to Ukraine's pursuit of NATO membership, while Ukraine and the West view it as an imperialist land grab.

Zelenskiy rejected Trump's claim that his approval rating was just 4%, calling it Russian disinformation. He emphasized that any effort to remove him would fail. According to a February poll, 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskiy.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed that Zelenskiy’s presidency followed duly-held elections and that Russia was responsible for the war. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump for labeling Zelenskiy a dictator, calling it "false and dangerous."

Australia, a US security ally, also rejected Trump's comments, with Defence Minister Richard Marles stating that the war must be resolved on Ukraine’s terms. Opposition leader Peter Dutton added that Russia, not Ukraine, is the aggressor.

While some Republicans in Congress disagreed with Trump's characterization of Zelenskiy, they refrained from directly criticizing him. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized giving Trump space to pursue peace negotiations.

In the face of Trump's remarks, Zelenskiy has suggested allowing US companies to extract valuable minerals in exchange for security guarantees. However, he rejected a US proposal that would have seen the US receiving half of Ukraine’s critical minerals. Trump, however, claimed Ukraine had "more or less" agreed to the deal.

European leaders were caught off guard by recent developments in US policy regarding Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting in Paris, urging immediate support for Ukraine. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to visit Washington next week.

As Trump's attacks continued, Zelenskiy discussed potential peace settlement approaches with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Macron, and Starmer. Starmer reaffirmed support for Zelenskiy as Ukraine’s democratically elected leader.

Meanwhile, the European Union agreed on a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum and vessels carrying sanctioned Russian oil. Trump suggested he may meet with Putin soon, although he emphasized that peace negotiations would depend on building trust between Moscow and Washington.

Zelenskiy stressed that Ukraine relied on "the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America" for security. Trump called on Europe to step up and guarantee any future ceasefire deal.