President Donald Trump reignited controversy on Monday when he claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky helped start the Russia war. His comments came a day after a devastating Russian missile strike killed 35 civilians and injured 117 more in Ukraine’s Sumy city.
He named Russian President Vladimir Putin, former President Joe Biden, and Zelensky as equally responsible for the war’s heavy casualties. While describing the Sumy attack as terrible, Trump claimed Russia had likely made a mistake, offering no explanation or evidence.
Russian officials said their strike targeted Ukrainian soldiers and killed 60, though they failed to support this with verified proof. Ukrainian media reported a medal ceremony for veterans in Sumy on Sunday, suggesting civilians were mistakenly targeted during the event.
On Tuesday, Zelensky dismissed the Sumy regional governor allegedly for allowing the public ceremony during an ongoing Russian aerial campaign. Trump has blamed Biden and Zelensky repeatedly despite evidence that Russia first invaded Crimea in 2014 and escalated in 2022.
The White House remains divided on Ukraine policy as Trump’s administration continues secret ceasefire talks directly with Moscow. Trump said he had a great phone call with Putin last month, and the Russian president later sent him a framed portrait.
In opposition to a UN resolution designating Moscow as the aggressor in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the United States stood with Russia in February. Trump lamented his dissatisfaction with Putin after ceasefire negotiations failed, but he also highlighted their good relationship.
