Trump Calls Zelensky ‘Not Very Important,’ Says He Complicates Deals

“He’s been at meetings for three years with a president who didn’t know what the hell he was doing,” Trump said, referring to Joe Biden. He dismissed Zelensky’s frustration over Ukraine’s exclusion from recent talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia. “Nothing got done. So, I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings, to be honest. He makes it very hard to make deals. Look what’s happened to his country—it’s been demolished.”

Trump’s criticism didn’t stop there. Earlier in the week, he labeled Zelensky a “dictator” for refusing to hold presidential elections and claimed the Ukrainian leader’s approval ratings were in the gutter. When pressed on whether Russia was to blame for the ongoing conflict, Trump sidestepped the question, pointing fingers elsewhere.

“Every time I say it’s not Russia’s fault, I get slammed by the fake news,” Trump said. “But Biden said the wrong things. Zelensky said the wrong things. They got attacked by someone much bigger and stronger. Russia could’ve been talked out of it so easily.”

The relationship between Washington and Kyiv has taken a nosedive in recent days. Zelensky fired back, accusing Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble” created by Russia. He also rejected a proposed deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for military aid. Zelensky disputed Trump’s claims about the amount of aid Ukraine has received, saying it wasn’t even half of what Trump suggested.

Trump doubled down, calling Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and warning that Ukraine might not survive if the current policies continue. U.S. officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, expressed frustration with Kyiv’s rhetoric, calling it “unfortunate” and “unacceptable.”

The back-and-forth between the two leaders has turned into a messy spectacle. Trump’s blunt remarks and Zelensky’s sharp retorts highlight the growing tension between the two nations. It’s a far cry from the days when Ukraine was a talking point in impeachment hearings. Now, it’s a battleground of words, with Trump and Zelensky trading blows like heavyweight fighters in a ring.

The stakes are high. Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance, and the U.S. role in the conflict remains a contentious issue. Trump’s comments reflect his usual style—brash, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s clear: he’s not mincing words.

As for Zelensky, he’s caught in the crossfire, trying to defend his country while fending off criticism from one of the most outspoken figures in global politics. It’s a tough spot to be in, and the drama shows no signs of slowing down.