Zelensky branded 'dictator' in shocking tirade by Trump

Donald Trump hurled insults at Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday, branding him a “dictator” and falsely accusing him of starting the three-year war in Ukraine.

- TOM WATLING

The US president, who has all but reversed America’s policy on the conflict, called Ukraine’s leader a “modestly successful comedian” who had “talked the United States of America into spending $350bn to go into a war that couldn’t be won”.

“[He] probably wants to keep the gravy train going,” Mr Trump continued. “[He] has done a terrible job, his country is shattered, and millions have unnecessarily died.”

The remarks prompted widespread dismay, not least from Mr Zelensky himself who said the US president was repeating Vladimir Putin’s talking points. He accused Mr Trump of living in a Russian-made “disinformation space”, adding that he “would like Trump’s team to be more truthful”. He later added: “We cannot allow Putin to deceive everyone again.”

A French government spokesperson said Mr Trump’s comments were “diverse, varied and often incomprehensible”. Emmanuel Macron was due to have an informal meeting with some European leaders and Nato ally Canada last night.