Donald Trump recently asserted that Russia holds a significant advantage in potential peace negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a Saudi-backed investment meeting in Florida, Trump remarked that Russia has "the cards" due to its territorial gains in Ukraine. His comments came as he was flying back to Washington DC on Air Force One and sparked considerable controversy, particularly concerning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump's remarks touched on the complex dynamics of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, suggesting that Moscow is interested in concluding the war which began with a full-scale invasion by Russia nearly three years ago. He emphasized Russia's territorial acquisitions, stating, "I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit, because they've taken a lot of territory. They have the cards." These statements have brought attention to the strategic positions held by both nations as they navigate potential peace discussions.
In a provocative move, Trump labeled Zelensky a "dictator" for the second time in a single day, questioning his popularity by suggesting that Zelensky had a mere 4% approval rating. Contrary to Trump's claims, recent polling indicates that 57% of Ukrainians trust their president. Zelensky, in response to these allegations, accused Trump of being influenced by Moscow's narratives, stating, "With all due respect to President Donald Trump as a leader… he is living in this disinformation space."
The tension between Trump and Zelensky is heightened by differing international perspectives. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for Zelensky during a phone call, while Germany's Olaf Scholz criticized Trump's dismissal of Zelensky's democratic legitimacy, asserting, "it is simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky his democratic legitimacy."
Amid these developments, Ukraine was notably absent from US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia. This exclusion adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains under martial law following Russia's invasion in February 2022.
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