Former United States President Donald Trump has recently ignited controversy by holding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responsible for the ongoing conflict with Russia, which will enter its third year in 2025. During a podcast appearance with conservative commentator Patrick Bet-David, Trump stated, “He should never have let that war start. The war’s a loser,” referring specifically to Zelensky’s role in the conflict.
These remarks reflect a broader pattern of sympathy that Trump has exhibited toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Politico. Trump has previously asserted that President Joe Biden “instigated that war,” claiming that the conflict “would never have happened” had he remained in office. This narrative aligns with Trump’s consistent portrayal of his administration as a period of relative peace, contrasting it with the heightened tensions under Biden.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which has deep historical roots, escalated significantly in 2022 when President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the situation has drawn international condemnation and has led to widespread sanctions against Russia. Trump’s comments about Zelensky come at a time when the U.S. government continues to provide military and financial support to Ukraine, underlining the stark divisions in U.S. political discourse regarding the conflict.
In recent months, Trump’s relationship with Putin has come under scrutiny. A book by journalist Bob Woodward revealed that Trump allegedly called Putin multiple times after leaving office and even sent him COVID-19 tests during his presidency. While Trump has neither confirmed nor denied these claims, they highlight the nature of his connection with the Russian leader.
During the podcast, Trump maintained that he has “a good relationship with Putin and with Zelensky,” noting his meeting with Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly the previous month. Trump expressed a desire to negotiate a peace deal that he believes would benefit both parties, a stance that raises eyebrows given the current geopolitical climate.
In a speech at the Republican National Convention in July, Trump further emphasized his viewpoint, stating, “Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took nothing.” This statement underscores his position that his presidency was characterized by stability, contrasting sharply with the conflicts that have arisen since he left office.
As Trump continues to campaign for the presidency in 2024, his comments on the Ukraine-Russia war are likely to resonate with some voters while drawing criticism from others concerned about U.S. foreign policy and support for allies like Ukraine.
