Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed respect for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite recently referring to him as a “dictator” during a campaign event. Speaking in a follow-up interview, Trump clarified that his comment was not meant as a personal attack but rather as part of his broader stance on U.S. foreign policy and aid to Ukraine.
Trump, who has previously criticized U.S. financial support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reiterated his belief that European nations should take on a larger share of the burden. However, he acknowledged Zelensky’s leadership and stated that he holds no personal animosity toward him.
The remarks come as Trump remains a dominant figure in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, with his foreign policy positions drawing significant attention. Meanwhile, Zelensky continues to seek Western support to sustain Ukraine’s defense efforts.
