Tensions flared between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leaders as peace talks move forward without Ukraine’s input. Trump slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections” after Zelenskyy accused Trump of falling for Russian lies about the war. The fiery exchange comes as U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the conflict – a meeting Ukraine wasn’t invited to join.
Ukrainian lawmaker Kira Rudik defended her president during an appearance on NEWSMAX’s “American Agenda.” She argued Trump’s criticism ignores Ukraine’s fight for survival against Russian invaders. “President Zelenskyy remains popular here because he’s standing up to Putin,” Rudik said. She pushed back on Trump’s claims that Ukraine mishandled U.S. aid money meant for weapons and supplies.
Conservatives praised Trump for taking charge of negotiations they say Europe failed to handle. “America shouldn’t foot the bill forever while Ukrainian politicians drag this out,” said one GOP analyst. Trump has demanded Ukraine repay billions in U.S. aid through mineral rights deals – a proposal Rudik called “unworkable” during her interview.
The White House insists any peace deal must protect Ukrainian sovereignty but argues endless war helps nobody. “We’re finally putting America first instead of writing blank checks,” a Trump advisor told reporters. New polls show 62% of Republican voters support tying future aid to concrete repayment plans from Kyiv.
Russian missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities hours after the Riyadh talks ended. Over 100 drones struck power plants and apartment buildings despite Moscow’s claims they don’t target civilians. “This proves Putin can’t be trusted,” Rudik said while urging faster weapons deliveries from NATO allies.
Critics blasted the Saudi talks as repeating past mistakes where Western leaders cut deals over Ukraine’s head. “Excluding Kyiv tells Putin he can keep bullying them,” warned a European diplomat. But Trump supporters counter that tough negotiation tactics will force both sides to compromise faster than stalled battlefield fighting.
Zelenskyy remains defiant despite mounting pressure from Washington and Moscow. “I won’t surrender land or freedom,” he vowed during a national address interrupted by air raid sirens. His government released poll numbers showing 58% public approval – far higher than Trump’s disputed 4% claim.
As U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg arrives in Kyiv for emergency talks, conservatives emphasize this could be Ukraine’s last chance to accept a deal before American patience runs out. “Trump’s doing what weak leaders wouldn’t – actually ending wars instead of feeding them,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), echoing growing Republican sentiment that Ukraine must make painful concessions for peace.
