Why does Trump criticize Zelensky more than Putin regarding the war in Ukraine? A WP analyst sees this as a political strategy.

The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has begun to more actively criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the elections on November 5 approach. He accuses him of having "never should have allowed the war to start", implying that Zelensky has prolonged the conflict for too long.

As noted by analyst Aaron Blake from WP, Trump believes that Ukraine should have reached an agreement with Russia well before the full-scale invasion began.

"Even the worst deal would have been better than what we have now. If they had reached a bad deal, it would have been much better," he emphasized.

According to an expert from The Washington Post, Trump does not blame Russian leader Vladimir Putin for starting the war, in contrast to his criticism of Zelensky for not compromising. From the very beginning of the war, Trump condemned it while avoiding comments about Russia's actions, focusing instead on the Biden administration's culpability.

"Even when he talked about this situation, he often emphasized Washington's responsibility rather than Moscow's," the analyst points out.

Aaron Blake believes this may indicate Trump's attempt to maintain his negotiating position; however, he could openly support Ukraine, as most Americans desire victory for the Ukrainian side and condemn the actions of the Russian dictator.

"Such statements could put pressure on Putin, demonstrating that the Western world does not intend to tolerate or legitimize aggression. Instead, Trump seems to believe that Zelensky is to blame for everything," the expert highlights.

What is known about Trump’s conversations with Zelensky

It was previously reported that during a conversation with Trump, Zelensky expressed the opinion that Ukraine would either join NATO or acquire nuclear weapons. Trump then called this a fair decision.

Trump also claimed that Putin warned him about a possible invasion of Ukraine, but at that time, the Republican assured that it would not happen. According to the Republican, he plans to end the war in Ukraine if he is elected president. The American politician noted that a fair agreement that suits everyone must be reached to stop the war in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that peace in Ukraine must be just. Russian "president" Vladimir Putin, according to Zelensky, must be held accountable for the severe war crimes committed against Ukraine and its people.

Zelensky also invited Trump to visit Ukraine. He gladly accepted, stating that Ukraine is a wonderful country with beautiful cities and weather. However, the day before, Trump had claimed that Ukraine, as a state, no longer exists, and that its millennia-old cities, except for Kyiv, have been destroyed and cannot be restored.

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