Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine war deaths in latest remarks

Trump repeats false claims accusing Ukrainian president of triggering Russian invasion and “millions” of deaths.

US President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming on Monday that the Ukrainian leader, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Joe Biden, was responsible for "millions" of deaths. Trump’s remarks, which have drawn widespread condemnation and alarm in Washington and abroad, come amid increasing tension between Trump and Zelensky, and as the war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll.

During a press appearance with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House, Trump bluntly stated that, in his view, the blame for the war should be shared among three individuals. “Let’s say Putin number one, but let’s say Biden, who had no idea what the hell he was doing, number two, and Zelensky,” Trump said.

The comments mark another escalation in Trump’s rhetoric, as he continues to challenge established U.S. foreign policy narratives and attempts to recast the origins of the conflict in Eastern Europe. His claim that “millions of people” have died in the war — a figure far above the actual estimates — adds to the inflammatory nature of his statements.

A pattern of antagonism toward Ukraine

Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine war deaths in a narrative that reflects a long and fraught history between the two leaders. Their relationship began to sour during Trump’s first term, most notably during the 2019 impeachment inquiry, which centered around Trump’s request for Zelensky to investigate Biden and his son.

But this latest episode marks a new low in their relations. According to aides and foreign policy analysts, the two leaders had a heated exchange in the Oval Office six weeks ago. The meeting reportedly ended with Zelensky walking out abruptly, refusing to back down after Trump accused Ukraine of provoking Russia.

Since then, Trump has ramped up his criticism. In the run-up to their public spat, Trump echoed Kremlin talking points, calling Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and blaming Ukraine for provoking the 2022 invasion. These statements closely mirror the disinformation narratives promoted by Russian state media.

Dismissing Ukraine’s defense efforts

Trump has also shown little sympathy for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russia’s onslaught. On Monday, he mocked Zelensky’s ongoing attempts to secure more Western aid, stating: “He’s always looking to purchase missiles.”

“When you start a war, you got to know that you can win the war,” Trump continued. “You don’t start a war against somebody that’s 20 times your size, and then hope that people give you some missiles.”

The remarks sparked backlash from Ukrainian officials and from U.S. lawmakers who continue to support Ukraine’s military defense.

A growing divide with Washington

While current U.S. policy under President Biden continues to provide military and economic support to Ukraine, Trump’s comments stand in stark contrast to the bipartisan consensus that views Ukraine as a victim of unprovoked aggression by Russia.

Trump's tendency to minimize Russian responsibility and redirect blame toward Ukraine and NATO has caused concern among European allies. Diplomats warn that if Trump returns to office, U.S. policy toward Ukraine could face a dramatic shift — potentially weakening the international coalition backing Kyiv.

“Statements like these aren’t just inaccurate — they’re dangerous,” said one senior official at the State Department, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They signal to Moscow that the U.S. could step back from its commitments.”

Zelensky tries to defuse tensions

Despite the barrage of criticism, Zelensky has attempted to mend ties with Trump. Last week, he sent a diplomatic delegation to Washington to discuss a proposed minerals trade deal that Trump has championed. The agreement would give the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian rare earth elements, which are vital for defense and tech industries.

However, Trump’s latest remarks appear to undermine those efforts. His repeated suggestions that Zelensky is to blame for a war that began with Russian tanks crossing the border have left Kyiv uncertain about its future relations with a potential second Trump administration.

In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Zelensky urged Trump to visit Ukraine. Speaking on CBS, he said, “If President Trump sees with his own eyes what is happening in our cities, if he walks the streets of Kharkiv or Sumy, he’ll understand that this war is not something we started.”

Contradicting the facts on the ground

Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine war deaths despite mounting evidence of Russian culpability and brutality. Just one day before his comments, a deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 35 people — one of the deadliest attacks since the war began.

In response to the incident, Trump said it was “a mistake,” but offered no details. Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry claimed their missile had targeted a meeting of Ukrainian military commanders — a claim that has not been verified.

Trump’s downplaying of the attack further inflamed critics, who say the president is indifferent to the human toll of the war.

What Trump says he wants

Despite his remarks, Trump maintains that he wants to end the conflict. “I want to stop the killing,” he told reporters Monday. “I think we’re doing well in that regard. I think you’ll have some very good proposals very soon.”

He has hinted that his administration would push for peace talks, but has not laid out any specific plan. In the past, Trump has said he could “end the war in 24 hours” — a claim many analysts consider unrealistic given the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

Still, for Trump’s supporters, his anti-war stance is a selling point. They view him as a dealmaker who could achieve what others have failed to do. But critics argue that undermining Ukraine's position by blaming its leadership weakens the prospects of any just resolution.

Fallout from Trump’s rhetoric

As Trump’s campaign for a second term intensifies, his remarks about Ukraine are likely to remain in the spotlight. His effort to recast the war as a failure of Biden, Zelensky, and Western support for Ukraine represents a significant departure from established U.S. policy.

It also raises fundamental questions about the future of American leadership on the world stage. Allies in Europe and Asia are watching closely, weighing the possibility that the U.S. under Trump could retreat from international commitments.

For Ukraine, the stakes are existential. As the country continues to face attacks, any wavering in U.S. support could affect both battlefield outcomes and long-term reconstruction.