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By Newsroom, Political Correspondent with Agencies
LONDON – Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has joined a chorus of British political leaders in dismissing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a “dictator.”
Trump, in a social media post, accused Zelensky of prolonging the war with Russia and claimed he was a “Dictator without Election.” The comments sparked international backlash, with Zelensky himself refuting the claims, accusing Trump of spreading Kremlin-backed disinformation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey were among those who quickly defended Zelensky, highlighting that he was democratically elected. Speaking to GB News, Farage echoed this sentiment but called for a timeline on Ukrainian elections.
“Let’s be clear, Zelensky is not a dictator, but it’s only right and proper that Ukrainians have a timeline for elections,” said Farage. He cautioned that Trump’s remarks should not always be taken “literally” and suggested they were influenced by “bad blood” between Trump and Ukraine over past political disputes, including the Biden family’s dealings in the country.
While acknowledging Zelensky’s legitimacy, Farage emphasized that Ukraine should hold elections once a peace deal is in place. “I’m not suggesting Ukraine has an election tomorrow,” he said, “but once we see the shape of the peace deal, then of course there should be an election.”
Starmer, in contrast, firmly defended Ukraine’s suspension of elections during wartime, drawing parallels with the UK’s decision to postpone elections during World War II.
Meanwhile, Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice took to X (formerly Twitter) to reiterate that the war was started by Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also supporting Trump’s efforts to push for a peace settlement.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized Farage for not outright condemning Trump’s comments, saying: “He sounds like a spokesman for Trump. He certainly doesn’t speak for Britain.”
Trump’s comments have added another layer of controversy to his stance on Ukraine. The former president has previously claimed that the war would have been avoided if he were in office and suggested Ukraine should have reached a deal with Russia early on.
With UK elections approaching, Farage’s stance on Ukraine could shape Reform UK’s foreign policy credibility, especially as European nations reassess their defense commitments amid growing geopolitical tensions.
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