On February 27, US President Donald Trump expressed respect for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, downplaying an earlier remark in which he called Zelensky a “dictator.” Speaking at a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stated, “I think we’re going to have a very good meeting tomorrow morning. We’re going to get along really well. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Trump, who has previously criticized the billions in military and other aid provided to Ukraine by Washington, took a different tone ahead of the upcoming meeting. The two countries are expected to sign a deal on mining rights, which would grant the United States a share in much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. Trump described the deal as a form of compensation for Washington’s support.
“We’ve given him a lot of equipment and a lot of money, but they have fought very bravely,” Trump said. “Somebody has to use that equipment, and they have been very brave in that sense.”
Earlier in February, Trump surprised many European allies by speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine. Following critical remarks by Zelensky, Trump referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator” in a post on his Truth Social platform. When asked about the comment, Trump responded, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that.”