United States President Donald Trump seems to have done a flip-flop on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a recent media interaction, Trump appeared to go against his previous statement in which he called Zelenskyy a "dictator."
When a journalist asked him about his words, Trump replied with seeming astonishment, "Did I say that? I can't believe I would say that."
Aside from walking back his "dictator" statement, Trump continued to commend Zelenskyy, describing him as "very brave." Meanwhile, he professed trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he believes Putin will enforce any peace deal in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Earlier, tensions were heightened between Trump and Zelenskyy following the decision by U.S. officials to hold peace talks with Russian officials without involving Ukraine. Zelenskyy was against these talks, and he contended that any dialogue that did not involve Ukraine was unacceptable.
Trump retaliated by issuing a caustic remark, calling Zelenskyy a "former comedian turned dictator without election." In his February 19 social media entry, Trump said:
"A dictator without elections, Zelenskyy better hurry up or he is not going to have a Country left. Meanwhile, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all acknowledge only 'TRUMP,' and the Trump Administration, can accomplish."
Trump Meets UK PM Keir Starmer at White House
On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, where the two leaders held talks on matters ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to trade deals.
In a statement after meeting with Starmer, he reaffirmed that the UK remained committed to assisting a peaceful settlement for Ukraine. He noted that Britain is willing to take robust action in unison with European partners.
"I'm talking to other leaders in Europe closely on this, and I'm unambiguous that the UK is prepared to put boots on the ground and aircraft in the skies to back a deal, in partnership with allies, because that's the only way that peace will endure," Starmer said.
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