Days after labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator,” US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to mediate between Ukraine and Russia to save lives and establish his legacy as a peacemaker. During a White House discussion, he emphasized the potential risks of escalation, remarking the situation could lead to a third world war if unresolved. Tensions escalated when Trump told Zelensky he was “gambling with world war three” over Ukraine’s situation. Zelensky defended his country’s resilience. Trump has previously claimed his proudest legacy would be as a peacemaker, though critics accuse him of favoring Russia in negotiations.
Days after referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” and subsequently retracting the statement, US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he is engaged in talks with Ukraine and Russia because he wishes to save lives and aspires to be remembered as a peacemaker.
Responding to a question with Zelensky present at the White House, Trump expressed, “I hope I will be remembered as a peacemaker. It would be a remarkable achievement if we could resolve this (the Russia-Ukraine conflict). My primary goal is to save lives, and beyond that, to save substantial amounts of money, though I view that as significantly less critical.”
Emphasizing the necessity of settling the dispute, he continued, “I hope I will be recognized as a peacemaker. Resolving this issue would be a tremendous accomplishment. The situation is very precarious, and it could potentially lead to a third world war. Things were heading in the wrong direction. If we hadn’t won this election… and we won by a significant margin… this might have very well escalated into a third world war.”
Shortly afterward, Trump and Zelensky engaged in a public disagreement in the White House, with the US president accusing his Ukrainian counterpart of “gambling with world war three.”
Amidst reporters, US Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky as being disrespectful and “trying to litigate this in front of the American media,” while asserting that Ukraine is compelling conscripts to the frontlines due to “manpower issues.”
Zelensky countered, questioning how Vance could be aware of Ukraine’s challenges without visiting the nation. The Ukrainian president remarked that every country faces difficulties during wartime, adding that the US will also “experience the repercussions in the future,” which provoked a stern response from Trump.
“You don’t know that, so don’t presume to tell us what we will face. We are working to resolve a crisis. You are not in a position to dictate terms… You have placed yourself in a precarious situation. You lack leverage, but with us, you begin to regain that leverage. You are jeopardizing the lives of millions, and with your actions, you are gambling with world war three. What you are doing is very disrespectful to this nation,” he stated.
Zelensky replied, “We are resilient in our country, standing strong since the onset of the war. And we are grateful (to the US).”
In what appeared to be a reference to his predecessor Joe Biden, Trump remarked, “We provided you, through a misguided president, $350 billion. We supplied you with military resources. Without our military support, this conflict would have concluded in two weeks. Your nation is in serious trouble.”
Trying to interject, Zelensky commented, “You invited me here…”
‘Proudest Legacy’
Friday marked not the first instance of Trump expressing his desire to be regarded as a peacemaker. During his inauguration on January 20, the US President alluded to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, stating, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s the role I aspire to fulfill.”
“I’m pleased to announce that, as of yesterday, just before I took office, the hostages in the Middle East are returning home to their families,” he added.
Nevertheless, critics have accused Trump of showing favoritism toward Russia and attempting to extract concessions from Ukraine.