Trump disavows "dictator" remark about Zelenskyy “Did I say that?”

Former US President Donald Trump has distanced himself from his own remarks referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator," a statement he made in a social media post last week.

Thus, Trump appeared to backtrack when pressed on his choice of words, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Did I say that? I can't believe I would say that," he responded when asked about the comment, which echoed Russian claims regarding Ukraine’s cancelled elections.

Ukraine had been scheduled to hold a presidential election in May 2024, but it was suspended due to the ongoing martial law imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The cancellation has been a key point of Russian disinformation efforts seeking to undermine Kyiv’s democratic legitimacy.

In a news conference following his interview, Trump appeared to adopt a more conciliatory tone towards Zelenskyy, describing him as "very brave" and insisting that they have a strong rapport.

"We get on really well," he said, marking a notable shift from his earlier rhetoric.

Trump also addressed the prospects of ending the war, stating that "progress towards peace" would continue during Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to the White House. The Ukrainian leader is expected to sign a major minerals deal with the United States during the trip.

Note that, President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House on February 27 for their first face-to-face discussions since the Republican leader’s shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine, the Middle East, and global trade.

Starmer is the second European leader to visit Washington this week, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s meeting with Trump on February 24. While the talks were cordial, they highlighted significant differences over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the U.S. push for a swift ceasefire.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that discussions would cover trade and the Ukraine conflict, while also accepting an invitation for a state visit to Britain. Starmer, meanwhile, voiced optimism about the prospects for a peace deal in Ukraine. The two leaders were set to hold further meetings before addressing the press.

By Aghakazim Guliyev