Trump Blames Ukraine for War, Sparks Diplomatic Controversy

Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Ukraine is partially to blame for the ongoing war with Russia and that Zelenskyy should have negotiated a deal to prevent the conflict. Trump made these remarks following US-Russian discussions in Saudi Arabia that did not include Ukrainian representatives, sparking concerns about Kyiv's exclusion from peace talks. He emphasized that Zelenskyy should face elections to solidify his position, echoing sentiments from Moscow, despite the current martial law in Ukraine that prohibits such elections. Trump's comments have drawn backlash, with Finnish MPs and other critics labeling his statements as false and pointing out that Russia initiated the conflict by invading Ukraine. Meanwhile, US officials reassured that Ukraine would not be sidelined in future negotiations, although Trump's approach has raised concerns about the US's commitment to its allies in Europe. The situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy as the war continues into its third year.