Trump: Zelensky 'Dictator' Without Elections

THE NEWS

President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections” in social media post, citing Ukraine’s indefinite postponement of presidential elections amid its ongoing war with Russia.

The verbal clash followed U.S.-Russia peace talks in Riyadh that excluded Ukrainian officials, prompting Zelensky to accuse Trump of spreading Russian disinformation.

TIMELINE

April 21, 2019: Volodymyr Zelensky Elected President of Ukraine

• Zelensky, a political novice and comedian, wins a landslide victory with 73.22% of the vote in the runoff against incumbent Petro Poroshenko. International observers, including the OSCE, declare the election free and fair. His inauguration occurs on May 20, 2019.

February 24, 2022: Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine Begins

• Russia launches a full-scale military invasion, escalating hostilities that began with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donbas. Ukraine declares martial law, which constitutionally prohibits holding elections during active warfare.

March 2024: Zelensky’s Presidential Term Officially Ends; Elections Postponed

• Under ordinary circumstances, Zelensky’s five-year term would conclude in May 2024. However, due to ongoing martial law (renewed every 90 days since February 2022), parliamentary and presidential elections are postponed indefinitely. Ukrainian law prohibits elections during wartime.

November 5, 2024: Donald Trump Wins U.S. Presidential Election

• Trump secures a second term as U.S. president, defeating incumbent Joe Biden. His campaign emphasizes border security, skepticism of foreign aid, and promises to end the Ukraine-Russia war.

February 18, 2025: U.S.-Russia Negotiations in Riyadh

• U.S. and Russian officials meet to discuss a potential peace deal for Ukraine. Ukrainian representatives are excluded from talks, drawing criticism from Kyiv. Trump’s administration seeks to broker a settlement that could involve territorial concessions.

February 19, 2025: Zelensky Criticizes Trump’s Vulnerability to Russian Disinformation

• In a televised address, Zelensky states: “The former U.S. president exists in a disinformation space created by Russia. This is dangerous for global security.” He demands Ukraine’s inclusion in peace talks.

February 19, 2025: Trump Labels Zelensky a “Dictator Without Elections”

• Trump responds via social media: “Zelensky is a dictator without elections. He’s wasting $350 billion of American money on a war he started. He should negotiate now before Ukraine disappears.” The post garners widespread media attention and condemnation from European leaders.

TRUMP STATEMENT'S IN FULL

Trump posted Wednesday, "Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn't be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and "TRUMP," will never be able to settle. The United States has spent $200 Billion Dollars more than Europe, and Europe's money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back. Why didn't Sleepy Joe Biden demand Equalization, in that this War is far more important to Europe than it is to us — We have a big, beautiful Ocean as separation. On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is "MISSING." 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, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only "TRUMP," and the Trump Administration, can do. Biden never tried, Europe has failed to bring Peace, and Zelenskyy probably wants to keep the "gravy train" going. I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues....."

REACTIONS

After Trump's remarks, Zelensky said Wednesday on X: "I spoke with U.S. Senator @LindseyGrahamSC. We greatly appreciate the bicameral and bipartisan support of the US Congress to the Ukrainian people in our fight against the Russian aggression. As always, Senator Graham is constructive and doing a lot to help bring peace closer. It's all-important that security guarantees remain on the table—and that they work for Ukraine, for real and lasting peace. Thank you for your support."

Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told Reuters: "Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war," he said. "I think it is important they do so."

President Donald Trump (U.S.): "We are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only "TRUMP," and the Trump Administration, can do."

Vice President JD Vance (U.S.): Backs Trump’s criticism, warning Zelenskyy that “badmouthing” the Trump administration publicly is counterproductive.

Dmitri Medvedev (Former Russian President): Praises Trump’s remarks on social media, suggesting the U.S. president is “200 percent right” and calling Zelenskyy a “bankrupt clown.”

WHAT'S NEXT

Saudi Arabia last week expressed willingness to host a summit between Trump and Putin, inviting parties from the U.S., Ukraine and Russia to gather in Riyadh to discuss how to end the conflict, which began in February 2022.

Trump said he will "probably" meet Putin in the Kingdom in the "not-too-distant future," but on Sunday Bloomberg reported that the meeting could occur before the end of the month.

Zelensky is set to visit Saudi Arabia on March 10.