Trump Blames Zelensky for Russia’s Invasion: ‘He Should Never Have Let That War Start’

Former President Donald Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday for failing to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Speaking on the “PBD Podcast” with host Patrick Bet-David, Trump expressed discontent over the billions in aid the United States has provided to Kyiv, asserting that Zelensky “should never have let that war start.”

Trump referred to Zelensky as “one of the greatest salesmen I’ve seen,” noting the substantial financial support Ukraine has received. “Every time he comes in, we give him $100 billion. Who else got that kind of money in history?” he questioned. While he expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian people, Trump reiterated that Zelensky should have acted to avert the conflict, stating, “That war’s a loser; Ukraine, remember, is not Ukraine anymore.”

Trump did not elaborate on how he believes Zelensky could have prevented the war but focused his criticisms on President Biden. “This should have been settled before it started. It could have. It would have been so easy. If we had a president with half a brain, it would have been easy to settle,” Trump said. He placed significant blame on Biden, claiming the current president “instigated that war” and that everything Biden said about the situation was incorrect.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky had a face-to-face meeting last month. REUTERS

Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump has insisted that the Ukraine war would not have started if he were still president, asserting that he could end the conflict within 24 hours—a claim that has drawn scepticism from officials in Kyiv. Trump has pointed out that Russia annexed Crimea during former President Barack Obama’s administration and invaded Ukraine under Biden, highlighting his belief that these events illustrate the current administration’s failures.

Russia has faced an onslaught of sanctions over its war. AP

Last month, Trump met with Zelensky at Trump Tower, describing their relationship as “very good.” In response, Zelensky expressed hope for improved relations between the U.S. and Ukraine. Reports indicate that Trump has had up to seven calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office, a claim Trump has not denied.

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has stirred controversy with his proposal to establish demilitarised zones between Ukraine and Russia and to require Ukraine to pledge not to join NATO. Zelensky has criticised Vance’s plan, labelling it “too radical.”

Despite his criticisms regarding the U.S. aid to Ukraine, Trump expressed profound sympathy for the Ukrainian people, describing the devastation in their cities. “Every city, almost, is knocked down to the ground … all those beautiful golden domes are laying on their side smashed to smithereens,” he remarked. “You go into the city, and every building is demolished. It looks like a demolition crew went through.”

Volodymyr Zelensky has floated having Ukraine obtain nuclear weapons. Getty Images

Since launching his 2016 campaign, Trump has faced accusations from the left about being overly friendly with Putin. However, during his presidency, he approved lethal military aid for Ukraine, a significant shift from his predecessor’s stance.

Last week, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed concerns about a potential second Trump term, stating, “Really, stop worrying about a Trump presidency.” Rutte added, “We do not know who will win.”