In a fiery interview on the PBD Podcast, former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, placing the blame for the ongoing war with Russia squarely on his shoulders. While expressing sympathy for the Ukrainian people, Trump asserted that Zelenskyy should have taken steps to prevent the conflict from escalating.
“I feel very badly for those people—but he should never have let that war start… that war is a loser,” Trump stated, adding, “And that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help him because I feel very badly for those people. He should never have let that war start.”
Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, painted a grim picture of Ukraine’s devastation, remarking, “Ukraine, remember, is not Ukraine anymore.” He described the widespread destruction, stating, “Every city almost is knocked down to the ground. All those beautiful golden domes are laying on their side smashed to smithereens.”
He went on to criticize the current U.S. administration under President Joe Biden, alleging that Biden’s actions had contributed to the war’s eruption. Trump argued that the conflict could have been avoided, claiming, “This should have been settled before it started. It could have. It would have been so easy. If we had a president with half a brain, it would have been easy to settle.”
Despite his harsh criticism, Trump acknowledged a past meeting with Zelenskyy, stating that they had a “very good relationship.” However, he hinted at his plans regarding U.S. aid to Ukraine, suggesting he would withhold it if re-elected.
Trump nevertheless pledged to work on a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia if he wins the presidency, saying, “And I think if we win, we’re going to get it resolved very quickly.”
This latest outburst from Trump comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over his stance on the war in Ukraine. He has previously made controversial statements about the conflict, raising concerns about his commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia. His recent remarks are likely to further fuel the debate over his foreign policy positions and their potential implications for U.S. involvement in international conflicts.