**US President Trump Causes Stir with Comments on Ukraine**
US President Donald Trump has made some shocking comments about Ukraine, calling its leader a “dictator” and blaming the country for Russia’s invasion. This has left many in Ukraine stunned and worried.
The comments were made during a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C. on February 13, 2025. Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not holding elections, echoing comments from Moscow that have questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy.
This has come at a time when the US is trying to end the war between Ukraine and Russia through high-level meetings in Saudi Arabia. However, no representatives from Ukraine were present at these talks, which has added to fears that any peace negotiation could benefit Moscow at the expense of Kyiv.
**Ukrainians React**
On the streets of Kyiv, people have been expressing their opinions on Trump’s comments. Yevhen, a charity fund employee, told the Kyiv Independent: “It’s complete nonsense. I think he’s either an idiot or pretending to be one.”
**Expert Analysis**
Benjamin Tallis, director of the Democratic Strategy Initiative in Berlin, believes that Trump’s comments could be part of a wider strategy. He suggests three possible options:
1. **Warning Europe**: Trump may be trying to tell Europeans that they need to take more responsibility for handling the situation.
2. **Playing Russia**: Trump might be playing along with Russian arguments to create tension between Ukraine and Europe.
3. **Getting Attention**: Trump could simply be trying to get attention by making provocative comments.
**How Should Ukraine Respond?**
Ukrainian experts have offered different advice on how President Zelensky should respond to Trump’s comments.
Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert on North American policy at Ukrainian Prism, suggests that Zelensky should go back to being Trump’s “good buddy” and try to build a personal connection with him. This could involve being nice to Trump and emphasizing Ukraine’s strengths as a security partner.
Professor Oleksiy Haran recommends that Ukraine be cautious but not too aggressive in its response. He believes that Trump may change his approach if he sees the Ukrainian government working hard on the issue.
**Uncertainty Remains**
It remains unclear how this situation will develop, with many experts expressing uncertainty about what Trump’s true intentions are. The international community is watching closely as Ukraine and Russia continue to navigate their complex relationship.