U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, labeling him a "dictator" and warning that he must act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing his country. The remarks, which followed Trump's assertion that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's 2022 invasion, have caused alarm among European allies.

Trump's latest comments mark a significant shift in U.S. policy, which has seen his administration initiate direct talks with Russian officials while sidelining Ukraine. The president also ended efforts to isolate Moscow, holding a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and engaging in diplomatic discussions that have excluded Kyiv.

"A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left," Trump posted on social media, referencing the Ukrainian leader’s extended tenure due to martial law.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded, stating, "We will defend our right to exist." Under Ukrainian law, elections cannot be held during wartime, a policy upheld since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Trump's comments prompted swift international condemnation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them "false and dangerous," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelensky, emphasizing that suspending elections during war is "perfectly reasonable." Sweden and Germany also criticized Trump's remarks, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calling them "absurd."

Despite backlash from European leaders, some of Trump's Republican allies refrained from directly criticizing him. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a supporter of Ukraine, suggested that Trump needed "space" to work on a peace deal. However, a few Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, publicly disagreed with Trump's characterization of Zelensky.

In Ukraine, Zelensky dismissed Trump's claims, refuting the notion that his approval rating is as low as 4%. A recent poll from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 57% of Ukrainians trust their president.

Trump's remarks also come amid reports that he is considering a meeting with Putin. The Russian president, addressing reporters in Moscow, indicated that negotiations with Ukraine were not off the table but would depend on trust between Moscow and Washington. European leaders have expressed concern that U.S.-Russia discussions—held recently in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's involvement—could lead to a peace deal that undermines Kyiv's security.

Meanwhile, the European Union has approved a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum exports and vessels transporting Russian oil. These measures signal continued European support for Ukraine despite shifting U.S. policy.

Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine has underscored his "America First" foreign policy approach. He has frequently criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and suggested that European nations must take greater responsibility. His latest statements have further widened the divide between Washington and Kyiv, leaving Ukraine and its allies scrambling for reassurances.

As tensions escalate, Ukraine's government remains firm in its stance. "We are counting on the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America," Zelensky said, reinforcing Kyiv's determination to continue its fight against Russian aggression.