Trump calls Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’ as he tries to pressure Kyiv to accept deal to end war

Geoff Bennett:

Welcome to the "News Hour."

President Donald Trump today denounced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator as he tried to pressure Kyiv to accept the terms of a deal to end the war with Russia. It comes a day after Mr. Trump falsely claimed Ukraine started the war.

Ali Rogin has the latest.

Ali Rogin:

Today, a war of words between two supposed allies, President Donald Trump lashing out online against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a scathing paragraph filled with falsehoods, Trump called the wartime leader a dictator without elections and that "He better move fast, or he is not going to have a country left."

Elections in Ukraine have been delayed since April of last year due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which enters its fourth year next week. Trump's comments stirred a global reaction. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is hoping to be reelected this Sunday, said calling Zelenskyy a dictator is — quote — "dangerous and false."

Trump also accused Zelenskyy of duping the U.S. in descending billions of dollars in military aid.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President (through interpreter):

Unfortunately, Trump lives in this disinformation space.

Ali Rogin:

The post came just hours after Zelenskyy publicly criticized Trump for repeating Russian talking points, in particular, the notion that Ukraine bears responsibility for Russia's invasion.

And just yesterday in Saudi Arabia, talks between the U.S. and Russia resumed, a stark shift in a U.S. policy that for years sought to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (through interpreter):

All of this definitely does not have a positive impact on Ukraine. I think Putin and Russia are really happy because they're involved in the discussions. And, yesterday, there were signals that they are the victims.

Ali Rogin:

For his part, Putin praised the outcome of yesterday's meeting and said he looked forward to meeting President Trump soon.

Vladimir Putin, Russian President (through interpreter):

The goal of our negotiations was restoration of Russia-U.S. relations. Without increasing the level of trust between Russia and the U.S., it is impossible to solve many issues, including the Ukraine crisis.

Ali Rogin:

All of this as Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia arrived in Ukraine's capital.

Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg (RET.), Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia: It's good to be back in Kyiv again.

Ali Rogin:

Keith Kellogg spent his day in meetings with Zelenskyy, as well as Ukrainian military commanders.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Ali Rogin.