Zelenskyy on Trump’s “Dictator” Remark: “Only a Dictator Would Be Offended”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a “dictator” over his decision not to hold elections during wartime, he dismissed the label, emphasizing that he has no interest in authoritarian rule speaking at the “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum on February 23.

“There’s no place for emotions here. I take a pragmatic approach to relations with the current U.S. administration, and I will continue to do so,” Zelenskyy said.

“Of course, I wouldn’t exactly call Trump’s words a compliment—that’s putting it mildly. But why take offense? The only person who would be offended by being called a dictator is someone who actually is one.”

Zelenskyy reiterated that he was democratically elected and came to power through the will of the Ukrainian people.

“I was elected legitimately, not through force. 73% of Ukrainians voted for me. The members of parliament were also chosen by the people, not appointed. Once martial law ends, there will be elections, and the people will make their choice.”

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The Ukrainian leader also made it clear that he does not intend to cling to power but will not allow Russian leader Vladimir Putin to rule over any part of Ukraine.

“I don’t plan to stay in office for decades,” Zelenskyy stated. “But I also won’t let Putin remain in power on Ukrainian territory.”

He added that public opinion matters to him—but the opinion that matters most is that of the Ukrainian people, just as Trump cares about what Americans think of him.

Trump made the controversial remarks on February 19, accusing Zelenskyy of refusing to hold elections amid the ongoing Russian invasion.