German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an "unelected dictator," calling the statement wrong and dangerous while denouncing any effort to undermine Zelensky’s legitimacy.
"President Volodymyr Zelensky is the democratically elected head of state of Ukraine—there is no doubt about that," Scholz said on February 19.
His remarks came in response to Trump’s attack on Zelensky’s legitimacy, in which the U.S. president accused the Ukrainian leader of refusing to hold elections and suggested that his approval ratings in Ukraine were extremely low.
Germany Rejects Trump’s Claims on Zelensky’s Legitimacy
Scholz made it clear that he opposes any attempt to question Zelensky’s democratic legitimacy.
"The inability to hold elections during wartime is fully in line with Ukraine’s constitution and electoral laws," Scholz stated.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also dismissed Trump’s comments as “nonsense”, urging the U.S. president to "focus on reality rather than posting impulsive remarks on X."
Berlin had previously rejected Trump’s claim that Ukraine started the war, reaffirming that Russia alone was responsible.
"No one other than President Vladimir Putin started or wanted this war in the heart of Europe," Baerbock said. "We are doing everything we can to strengthen Ukraine. Our goal is to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine—not a false peace that only gives Russia time to regroup and launch new offensives."
Ukraine and Western Allies Push Back Against Trump’s Comments
Russia has long argued that Zelensky is no longer legally in power, as his term officially ended in May 2024 and Ukraine has not held a presidential election since then.
However, the Ukrainian government insists that Zelensky remains the legitimate president, citing martial law imposed since February 2022, which prevents elections from taking place during wartime.
According to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), Zelensky’s approval rating has declined, but his support has never dropped below 50% since the war began.
Zelensky himself criticized Trump’s outreach to Putin, arguing that the Trump administration had ended Russia’s three-year isolation from the West by engaging in direct talks with Moscow in Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on Trump’s claim that his approval rating is only 4%, Zelensky accused the U.S. president of falling for Russian disinformation.
"When we hear the number 4%, we immediately recognize it as fake news from Russia. President Trump is operating in a bubble of misinformation," Zelensky said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to resist Russian aggression, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
"No one can force Ukraine to surrender. We will defend our right to exist."
UK Stands by Zelensky Amid Calls for Elections
On February 19, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Zelensky by phone, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and its elected leader.
"Postponing elections during wartime is completely reasonable—just as Britain did during World War II," Starmer’s office stated. "The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the UK’s support for U.S.-led efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine."
U.S. Vice President Warns Zelensky Against Confronting Trump
In Washington, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned Zelensky against publicly challenging Trump, implying that direct criticism could backfire.
"Some believe that Zelensky can change the president’s mind by attacking him in the media," Vance said during a briefing at the West Wing of the White House. "But as everyone knows, that is the worst way to engage with this administration."
As tensions continue to rise between Washington and Kyiv, Trump's remarks are adding further strain to an already fragile alliance, while European leaders rally behind Zelensky and reject any efforts to undermine Ukraine’s leadership.
(Sources: AFP, Reuters)
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