Trump living in Russian-made ’disinformation space,’ says Ukraine’s Zelenskyy

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticises Donald Trump's Russian disinformation, as U.S. shifts policy on Russia, sidelining Ukraine in peace talks.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday (February 19, 2025) that U.S. President Donald Trump is living in a Russian-made “disinformation space” as a result of his administration’s discussions with Kremlin officials.

Mr. Zelenskyy said he “would like Trump’s team to be more truthful.”

He made the comments shortly before he was expected to meet with Gen. (retd) Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday (February 19, 2025). Gen. Kellogg will meet Mr. Zelenskyy and military commanders as the U.S. shifts its policy away from years of efforts to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also Read | Russia praises Trump for saying NATO was a major cause of war in Ukraine

Mr. Trump suggested Tuesday (February 18, 2025) that Kyiv was to blame for the war, which enters its fourth year next week, as talks between top American and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia sidelined Ukraine and its European supporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to hold a videoconference on Ukraine later Wednesday (February 19, 2025) with leaders of over 15 countries, mostly European nations, “with the aim of gathering all partners interested in peace and security” on the continent, his office said.

Key European leaders held an emergency meeting in Paris on Monday (February 17, 2025) after they felt they had been sidelined by the Trump administration.