European leaders have defended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after former U.S. President Donald Trump called him a “dictator” for postponing elections during the ongoing war with Russia.
The remarks have sparked backlash, with EU officials affirming Zelensky’s legitimacy and pointing to Russia’s lack of democratic elections.
In a social media post, Trump accused Zelensky of running a government “without elections,” arguing that the Ukrainian leader should act quickly or risk losing his country. His comments fuelled concerns about whether the U.S. would continue aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion.
Under Ukrainian law, presidential elections cannot be held during martial law, which has been in effect since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. European officials emphasized that many national constitutions allow similar wartime exceptions, ensuring stability in times of conflict.
European leaders swiftly pushed back against Trump’s remarks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the statement “wrong and dangerous,” reaffirming Zelensky’s democratic mandate. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also backed the Ukrainian president, noting that postponing elections during war is “perfectly reasonable” and citing the UK’s own precedent during World War II.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell further dismissed Trump’s claims, asserting that “Ukraine remains a democracy fighting for its survival.” Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also weighed in, saying, “If anyone is a dictator, it’s Putin.” She highlighted that Russia has not held free and fair elections in decades.
Zelensky countered Trump’s accusations, arguing that the former U.S. president is influenced by Russian disinformation. He stressed Ukraine’s need for continued international support and warned that excluding Kyiv from peace negotiations could undermine the country’s sovereignty.
As U.S. and Russian officials engage in direct talks about ending the war—without Ukraine at the table—European leaders have raised concerns over potential compromises made at Ukraine’s expense.
European nations are doubling down on support for Ukraine. The EU is ramping up defense spending and preparing new sanctions against Russia, reinforcing its stance against external pressures that threaten Ukraine’s democracy and independence.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The high-stakes meeting coincides with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and follows Trump’s controversial claim that Ukraine started the war.
Days before the talks, Trump engaged in a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin—without the involvement of Ukraine or European leaders.
Meanwhile, Macron gathered European heads of state in Paris for urgent discussions on a potential ceasefire and the possibility of deploying peacekeeping forces.
The diplomatic push continues in Washington, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to meet Trump in the coming days. Reports suggest Starmer may introduce a framework for a European peacekeeping mission.
Polish President Andrzej Duda, who briefly spoke with Trump at the CPAC conservative political conference, addressed concerns over a possible U.S. military withdrawal from Europe. Following U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Poland on Feb. 14, Duda expressed confidence that American troops would remain in the region.
With tensions high and diplomatic manoeuvres intensifying, all eyes are on Washington as world leaders navigate the path toward stability in Ukraine.
NAN
