Trump sees Zelensky as ‘bad guy’

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, viewing him as a “bad guy” who is pushing the world closer to the brink of nuclear conflict, according to the New York Times citing unnamed sources. Trump’s advisers told the paper that while he is exasperated with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, he holds a particular grudge against the Ukrainian leader, whom he has publicly criticized multiple times.

Though Trump acknowledges that it’s “understandable” for Ukraine to want to continue fighting, his attitude toward Zelensky is much harsher compared to his approach to Putin. The report notes that Trump tends to be more respectful toward the Russian leader, believing their “very, very good relationship” might help resolve the conflict. As a result, he has so far avoided imposing new sanctions on Russia.

The two presidents spoke on the phone for 75 minutes on Wednesday, during which Trump mentioned discussions about Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian airbases reportedly hosting strategic aircraft. Trump said Putin warned he would respond strongly to these attacks. The Kremlin confirmed the call, with a Russian official accusing Ukraine of sabotaging peace talks and carrying out “terrorist” attacks on civilian targets, referencing deadly railway sabotage incidents in Bryansk and Kursk regions.

In response, Zelensky posted on Telegram, warning that weak global reactions to Putin’s threats only encourage further aggression. He stated that if strong nations don’t stop Putin, they become complicit in his actions.

Trump and Zelensky have clashed before, notably during their meeting at the White House in February, where Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and being “disrespectful” and ungrateful for US support.

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