Trump Calls Zelenskiy a “Dictator” and Warns Ukraine Could Be Lost Soon
U.S. President Donald Trump stirred up a big fuss on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, by calling Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a “dictator” and saying he’d better hurry up with peace talks or Ukraine might be gone for good.
Imagine Trump pointing a finger at Zelenskiy like a strict teacher scolding a student for not finishing homework on time—it’s that kind of drama! This news, brought to us by Reuters, shows how Trump’s words shake things up between the two leaders and worrying folks in Europe.
According to Reuters, Trump’s latest attack came right after he shocked everyone by blaming Ukraine for Russia’s 2022 invasion. Picture this: Trump’s acting like he’s rewriting history while Europe’s leaders are nervously watching from the sidelines, afraid this could mean good news for Russia.
Less than a month into his job, Trump’s already flipped U.S. plans upside down—chatting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and leaving Ukraine out of the conversation.
Trump took to social media, as Reuters reports, writing, “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.” He even spelled Zelenskiy’s name differently, adding his own twist.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha fired back on X, saying no one can push Ukraine around. “We will fight for our right to exist,” he said, standing tall like a boxer ready for a match.
Later, while talking to big shots in Miami, Trump didn’t back down. Reuters notes he called Zelenskiy a “dictator” again and hinted he’s dragging out the war to keep U.S. money flowing—like accusing him of hogging the cookie jar! Zelenskiy’s term was supposed to end in 2024, but Ukraine’s under martial law since Russia attacked in 2022, so no elections can happen yet.
This all started heating up after Zelenskiy called out Trump on Tuesday for repeating Russian lies, like saying Ukraine started the war—when everyone knows Russia rolled in with tanks three years ago. Reuters highlights how Trump’s Vice President JD Vance jumped in, warning Zelenskiy not to trash-talk Trump. “That’s a terrible way to deal with this team,” Vance said, per the Daily Mail, sounding like a coach telling a player to play nice.
Russia’s grabbed about 20% of Ukraine and keeps creeping forward, claiming it’s protecting itself from Ukraine wanting to join NATO.
Ukraine and the West say it’s just Russia being a bully. Zelenskiy pushed back on Trump’s claim that only 4% of people like him, calling it fake news from Russia. A poll from Kyiv, shared by Reuters, actually shows 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskiy—so Trump’s math isn’t adding up!
The United Nations, as Reuters reports, chimed in too. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Zelenskiy was elected fair and square and pointed out Russia’s the one who invaded. Germany’s leader Olaf Scholz called Trump’s “dictator” label “false and dangerous,” while Australia’s leaders, per Reuters, stood up for Ukraine, saying Russia’s the real bad guy here.
From a regular person’s view, it’s like Trump’s stirring a pot that’s already boiling over, and Europe’s left scrambling to figure out what’s next. Zelenskiy’s even offered U.S. companies a chance at Ukraine’s valuable minerals—like lithium for electric cars—in exchange for protection, but he turned down a deal that gave America too big a slice of the pie. Reuters says Trump’s still pushing for that deal, claiming Ukraine was close to saying yes.
European leaders are freaking out, holding emergency meetings, but not much is getting done yet. Trump’s talking about meeting Putin soon, while Zelenskiy’s pleading for Europe and America to stick together. In the end, Reuters shows us Trump’s playing a wild card—and it’s anyone’s guess how this game ends for Ukraine.
This article is based on reporting from Reuters, with a simple twist to help everyday readers get the gist of this global showdown.