Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator', widening rift between leaders

German Chancellor says US leader is wrong, some Republicans push back against attack

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MIAMI US President Donald Trump called Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator" on Feb 19, widening a personal rift with major implications for efforts to end the conflict triggered by Russia's invasion three years ago.

The US had provided funding and arms to Ukraine, but in an abrupt policy shift since coming to power, Mr Trump has opened talks with Moscow.

"A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform of the Ukrainian leader, whose five-year term expired in 2024.

Martial law introduced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 bans a wartime election.

The Constitution says the president serves until a newly elected one takes office.

On Feb 19, Mr Trump said his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was treated "rudely" during an official visit to Kyiv. He also accused Mr Zelensky of "sleeping" and failing to make a deal.

Mr Bessent was dispatched to Kyiv on Feb 12 to discuss with Mr Zelensky granting Washington access to rare earth minerals in return for security support.

"Scott Bessent actually went there and was treated rather rudely, because essentially, they told him 'no"," Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

On Feb 18, Mr Trump held a press conference in which he criticised Mr Zelensky, repeated several Kremlin narratives about the conflict and called for an end to the war.