Trump Criticizes Zelensky Amid US-Russia Peace Talks

Former President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of misleading the U.S. into spending substantial funds on a war that Trump claims cannot be won. Trump alleges that half of the financial aid sent to Ukraine is unaccounted for and labels Zelensky a 'dictator without elections' who must act quickly to salvage his country. This comes as Zelensky expressed frustration over being excluded from recent peace talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, asserting that decisions about Ukraine's future cannot be made without Ukrainian input. Meanwhile, President Putin has reiterated Russia's openness to negotiations and criticized Ukraine for its stance on peace talks. Trump's comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some European leaders expressing concern over the sidelining of NATO allies in the negotiation process. Despite the tensions, there is a growing hope for a potential meeting between Trump and Putin to further discuss peace efforts.