• Trump attacked Ukraine’s leader Zelensky at a Florida meeting, calling him a dictator and saying he manipulates former president Biden.

• European leaders defended Zelensky, saying the real dictators are in Russia and Belarus, while Ukraine fights for democracy.

US President Donald Trump has attacked Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” during a meeting in Florida.

The clash came after Zelensky accused Trump of falling for Russian fake news, particularly regarding peace talks in Saudi Arabia that excluded Ukraine.

Trump claimed Zelensky’s only skill was getting former President Joe Biden to do what he wanted.

He also criticised Zelensky for not holding elections while “his country was being destroyed.”

European leaders quickly defended Zelensky. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer both said Zelensky was running Ukraine properly.

Ukraine suspended all elections when Russia invaded in February 2022. This was allowed under martial law, which takes effect during wartime. Zelensky’s normal five-year term would have ended in May 2024.

According to Trump, Zelensky also broke promises about special minerals, further straining the relationship between Ukraine and the US.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock hit back at Trump’s “dictator” comment.

Baerbock said the real dictators were in Russia and Belarus, not Ukraine.

Despite the controversy, Zelensky continues working to maintain strong ties with America and Europe, insisting their support is key to bringing peace to Ukraine.

Pictured above: Donald Trump and Zelensky.

Image source: @ZelenskyyUa