In a moment that left many Ukrainians stunned and angered, President Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky bears responsibility for the ongoing war with Russia.
Speaking at a private event in Florida, Trump claimed that Zelensky “could have made a deal” to avoid the conflict, a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, international allies, and even some of Trump’s own supporters. For a country fighting for its survival, the remarks felt like a betrayal—and a gift to the Kremlin.
Trump’s comments, which align closely with Russian propaganda, have reignited debates about his foreign policy instincts and his long-standing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. But beyond the political theater, they also reveal a troubling misunderstanding—or dismissal—of the stakes in Ukraine. For Ukrainians, this war is not about deals or compromises; it’s about defending their sovereignty, their democracy, and their very existence.
A Familiar Refrain
Trump’s remarks came during a discussion about the war, where he criticized Zelensky’s leadership and questioned the United States’ financial support for Ukraine. “This war should have never happened,” Trump said. “Zelensky could have made a deal with Putin. Instead, he dragged us into it, and now we’re $200 billion deep.” He went on to accuse Zelensky of being a “dictator” for postponing elections during wartime, a decision that has been widely supported within Ukraine as a necessary measure under martial law.
For Ukrainians, these comments hit a nerve. Zelensky, a former comedian turned wartime leader, has become a symbol of resistance against Russian aggression. His nightly addresses to the Ukrainian people, often delivered in military fatigues, have rallied not just his country but much of the world. To hear Trump, a former U.S. president, echo Kremlin talking points felt like a slap in the face.
Zelensky responded swiftly, though without naming Trump directly. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, he said, “There are people who live in a world of disinformation, where the aggressor is the victim, and the victim is to blame. But the truth is clear: Ukraine did not start this war. Russia did.”
The Danger of False Equivalence
Trump’s comments reflect a broader narrative that has gained traction in some corners of the U.S.: that the war in Ukraine is a costly distraction and that Zelensky is somehow complicit in prolonging it. This framing ignores the reality on the ground. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, launching a brutal campaign of airstrikes, occupation, and war crimes. Ukraine’s resistance has been nothing short of extraordinary, but it has come at a staggering cost—tens of thousands of lives lost, millions displaced, and entire cities reduced to rubble.
To suggest that Zelensky could have “made a deal” is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of the conflict. Putin’s demands—effectively the surrender of Ukrainian territory and sovereignty—were never negotiable. As Zelensky himself has said, “If Ukraine stops fighting, it will cease to exist. If Russia stops fighting, the war will end.”
Trump’s remarks also ignore the broader implications of the war. This is not just a regional conflict; it is a battle over the future of democracy and the international order. A Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden authoritarian regimes around the world and undermine decades of progress in building a rules-based global system. For the United States, supporting Ukraine is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic one.
A Divisive Legacy
Trump’s comments are not entirely surprising, given his history. During his presidency, he was impeached for withholding military aid to Ukraine in an attempt to pressure Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden’s family. He has also repeatedly praised Putin, calling him a “genius” and a “strong leader.” But as Trump positions himself for another run at the White House, his remarks on Ukraine have taken on new significance.
For his supporters, Trump’s skepticism of U.S. involvement in Ukraine is seen as a pragmatic stance. Many Americans are weary of endless foreign entanglements, and the war’s price tag—both in dollars and geopolitical risk—has raised legitimate questions about how long the U.S. can sustain its support. But for critics, Trump’s comments are a dangerous oversimplification of a complex issue, one that plays directly into Putin’s hands.
Even within the Republican Party, there is division. While some, like Senator Josh Hawley, have echoed Trump’s calls for a more restrained foreign policy, others, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have been staunch advocates for Ukraine. McConnell recently described the war as “the most important conflict of our time,” emphasizing that U.S. support for Ukraine is “not charity—it’s an investment in our own security.”
The Human Cost
What often gets lost in these debates is the human toll of the war. For Ukrainians, this is not an abstract policy discussion; it is a daily reality. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and lives upended. Zelensky’s leadership, while not without its flaws, has been a source of hope and resilience for a nation under siege.
Trump’s comments, by contrast, feel detached from that reality. To blame Zelensky for the war is to ignore the suffering of millions and to absolve the true aggressor: Vladimir Putin. It is also a reminder of the power of words. For a former U.S. president to echo Kremlin propaganda is not just irresponsible—it is dangerous.
A Test of Resolve
As the war enters its third year, the stakes could not be higher. Ukraine’s survival depends not just on its own determination but on the continued support of its allies. Trump’s remarks, while unlikely to shift U.S. policy in the short term, highlight the fragility of that support. They also raise questions about what a second Trump presidency would mean for Ukraine—and for the world.
For now, Zelensky and the Ukrainian people remain focused on the fight ahead. But Trump’s comments serve as a stark reminder that the battle for Ukraine is not just being fought on the front lines. It is also being fought in the court of public opinion, where narratives can shape the course of history. And in that battle, as in war, the truth is often the first casualty.