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Trump Accuses Zelensky of Escalating Ukraine Conflict After Deadly Russian Strike
Former US President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of initiating the conflict with Russia. This statement follows a devastating Russian attack that resulted in 35 fatalities and 117 injuries in Ukraine.
Zelensky Shares Responsibility for Casualties, Trump Claims
Trump asserted that the Ukrainian leader shares culpability with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the “millions of people dead” in the Ukraine war. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles,” also pointing blame towards current US President Joe Biden for the ongoing hostilities.
Condemnation Follows Sumy Attack
Trump’s remarks are delivered in the wake of widespread condemnation regarding Russia’s strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday. The Sumy attack is reported to be the most lethal Russian assault on civilians this year.
Trump’s Initial Reaction to the Attack
When initially questioned about the Sumy attack, Trump described it as “awful” and mentioned being informed that Russia had “made an error,” without providing further explanation.
“Millions of people dead because of three people,” Trump stated on Monday, listing “Putin number one, Biden who had no idea what the hell he was doing, number two, and Zelensky.”
Casualty Estimates and Trump’s View of Zelensky
While estimates indicate that hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded in the Ukraine conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the “millions” figure cited by Trump is not substantiated.
Questioning Zelensky’s judgment, Trump commented that the Ukrainian leader was “always seeking to acquire missiles.”
“When you commence a war, you must be certain of victory,” the former US president added.
Past Tensions and Ukraine’s Role
Trump has frequently disagreed with Zelensky since returning to public life this year, and has previously suggested Ukraine bore responsibility for the war’s commencement.
Elevated tensions between the two leaders have been apparent since their tense exchange at the White House in February.
White House Confrontation
During that meeting, Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and criticized him for not initiating peace discussions with Russia earlier.
US-Russia Relations and Diplomatic Efforts
In contrast to his stance on Ukraine, the former US president has pursued improved relations with Moscow.
US envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in discussions with Putin in St Petersburg on Friday. According to the Kremlin, the talks, lasting over four hours, centered on “aspects of a Ukrainian resolution.”
Zelensky’s Appeal for Dialogue
Prior to Russia’s recent attack, Zelensky appealed to Trump to visit Ukraine before engaging in any agreement with Putin to end the war.
“Please, before any decisions, any forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead,” Zelensky stated in a CBS 60 Minutes interview.
Sumy Attack Details
Zelensky described the Russian attack on Sumy, resulting in at least 35 deaths, as striking “right in the heart of the city on Palm Sunday.”
Moscow’s Account
Moscow claimed to have targeted a meeting of Ukrainian soldiers with two Iskander missiles, alleging 60 fatalities, but offered no corroborating evidence.
Trump’s Stance on Ending Conflict
Trump maintained his desire to “halt the bloodshed” and hinted at forthcoming proposals, without providing specifics.
Historical Context of the Conflict
The conflict’s origins trace back over a decade to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was removed from power. Subsequently, Russia annexed Crimea and supported rebellions in eastern Ukraine, leading to sustained conflict.