Donald Trump’s latest remarks on Ukraine are not just factually flawed but dangerously misleading. His claim that Ukraine ‘talked’ the US into supporting its defence against Russian aggression ignores the reality: this war was not Ukraine’s choice – it was forced upon the country by Putin’s unprovoked invasion.
Trump’s characterisation of President Zelenskyy as a ‘comedian’ who ‘played Biden like a fiddle’ is an insult not only to Ukraine’s leader but to the millions of Ukrainians who have resisted tyranny with extraordinary courage. Trump conveniently overlooks that US support for Ukraine is not charity – it’s a strategic investment in global stability, European security, and the principle that sovereign nations cannot be redrawn by brute force. Defeating Putin’s expansionism now is far cheaper than fighting a wider war later. If Ukraine loses, Russia will not stop – Nato’s eastern flank will be next, and America will face far greater costs.
Trump also claims that half of US aid to Ukraine is ‘missing’ – a baseless assertion that echoes Kremlin propaganda. The US has rigorous oversight mechanisms in place, and independent audits have found no evidence of systemic misuse of funds. The idea that Ukraine is running a ‘gravy train’ at America’s expense is not just misleading – it’s designed to erode public support for Ukraine’s legitimate self-defence.
Another misleading claim is his portrayal of Ukraine’s delayed elections as proof of dictatorship. The reality is simple: Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law – a necessity when defending against an existential invasion. Trump’s accusation ignores the fact that even in wartime, Ukraine remains a democracy, with a free press, political opposition, and a vibrant civil society.
Perhaps most absurd is Trump’s boast that only he can ‘negotiate peace’ while criticising others for not doing so. During his presidency, he repeatedly sided with Putin, undermined Nato, and even withheld military aid from Ukraine for political leverage. His version of ‘peace’ is capitulation – one that would leave Ukraine dismembered and embolden autocrats worldwide.
As Trump openly questions US support for Ukraine, he emboldens Putin. Kyiv understands what’s at stake: If Ukraine falls, the cost to the West – economically and militarily – will be far higher in the long run. America’s leadership in defending democracy is not a ‘gravy train’; it’s a necessity.
Ukraine does not need Trump’s approval. It needs continued support from those who understand the price of freedom
