Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized Donald Trump, accusing him of being caught in a “disinformation bubble” regarding the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump’s recent controversial statements—which suggested that Ukraine started the war and that Zelenskyy’s approval rating had dropped to 4%—have sparked diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Zelenskyy has pushed back, saying Trump’s claims mirror Russian propaganda and do not reflect reality.
What exactly did Trump say, and why is Zelenskyy pushing back so hard? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Controversial Statements on Ukraine
During a press conference on February 18, 2025, Donald Trump made several bold claims about Ukraine’s role in the war. He stated that:
- Ukraine, not Russia, was responsible for starting the war.
- Zelenskyy’s approval rating had collapsed to just 4%.
- Ukraine should hold new elections.
Trump’s remarks came just after high-level U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—talks that notably excluded Ukrainian representatives.
These comments have shocked many in Kyiv, as they contradict well-documented facts about the conflict, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and its continued occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskyy’s Fierce Response
Zelenskyy immediately hit back, rejecting Trump’s claims and warning that such misinformation only benefits Russia. In a public statement, he said:
“President Trump… unfortunately lives in this disinformation space. Around Trump, there is a disinformation bubble.”
Zelenskyy also corrected the false claim about his approval rating—stating that, according to a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, his actual approval rating is 57%, not 4%.
By pushing back so hard, Zelenskyy is making it clear that Ukraine will not accept false narratives about the war—especially from a U.S. leader who could potentially return to the White House.
The Bigger Issue: Trump’s Shift Toward Russia?
This isn’t the first time Trump’s stance on Ukraine has raised concerns.
- During his presidency (2017-2021), Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to Ukraine while pressuring Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden.
- In 2024, Trump suggested he would end the war in 24 hours but did not clarify how—leading to speculation that he might push Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
- By excluding Ukraine from the latest U.S.-Russia talks, Trump appears to be sidelining Kyiv in peace negotiations—a move that worries Ukrainian officials.
Zelenskyy’s sharp response signals that Ukraine is deeply concerned about a potential U.S. policy shift under Trump—one that could favor Russian interests over Ukrainian sovereignty.
Why Ukraine Is Worried About Being Left Out of Peace Talks
One of Ukraine’s biggest fears is that the U.S. might negotiate a settlement with Russia without Kyiv’s involvement. This could mean:
- Ukraine being pressured to give up occupied territories (like Crimea or the Donbas region).
- Russia keeping its territorial gains, despite international condemnation.
- A weakening of Western support for Ukraine, including military and financial aid.
If Trump undermines Ukraine’s position in negotiations, Putin could emerge as the big winner—solidifying Russia’s hold on Ukrainian land and forcing Kyiv into a weaker bargaining position.
Zelenskyy has made it clear: Ukraine must be part of any peace talks, and no deal should be made behind its back.
How Will This Impact U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Zelenskyy’s public rebuke of Trump is a sign of growing tensions between the two leaders. If Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election, Ukraine may face:
- Less U.S. military aid, as Trump has previously hinted at cutting funding.
- Pressure to make territorial concessions to Russia.
- A shift in U.S. foreign policy, making NATO allies more cautious about supporting Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is trying to get ahead of these risks by challenging Trump’s false claims and making sure Ukraine’s position remains clear to both U.S. lawmakers and the American public.
Conclusion: The Fight for Truth in the Ukraine War
Zelenskyy’s swift and strong response to Trump’s comments shows how serious Ukraine is about defending not just its land, but the truth about the war.
As misinformation continues to spread—sometimes from powerful figures like Trump—Ukraine must work even harder to ensure the world does not forget who the real aggressor is: Russia.
The question now is: If Trump returns to power, will U.S. support for Ukraine weaken? And if so, what will that mean for the future of the war?
FAQs
1. What did Trump say about Ukraine?
Trump falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war, Zelenskyy’s approval rating was only 4%, and that Ukraine should hold new elections.
2. How did Zelenskyy respond?
Zelenskyy called Trump’s claims Russian propaganda and accused him of being caught in a “disinformation bubble.”
3. Is it true that Zelenskyy’s approval rating is only 4%?
No. According to a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll, his real approval rating is 57%.
4. Why was Ukraine left out of the U.S.-Russia talks?
Trump’s administration held discussions with Russia in Riyadh but did not invite Ukraine—raising fears that the U.S. may negotiate a deal without Kyiv’s input.
5. What happens if Trump is re-elected?
Ukraine may face reduced U.S. military aid and pressure to cede territory to Russia, weakening its position in the war.
