‘Like Candy From A Baby’: Trump Slams ‘Ungrateful’ Zelenskyy for ‘Extorting’ Money from the US- wna24

Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , this time accusing him of being “ungrateful” and “extorting” money from the United States “like candy from a baby.”

In an interview with a leading US media outlet, the 78-year-old president responded to questions about his behavior during a previous Oval Office meeting with the Ukrainian leader.

Trump defended his stance, stating that Zelenskyy wasn’t “grateful” and adding that he had “taken candy from a baby” during President Biden’s administration.

The former president also took aim at Biden, accusing him of sending billions in military aid to Ukraine, which Zelenskyy allegedly exploited.

“It was like taking candy from a baby. He’s a smart guy, and he’s a tough guy, and he took money out of this country under Biden like candy from a baby—it was so easy with that same attitude. I just don’t think he’s grateful. We gave him $350 billion,” Trump said.

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When asked about his relatively lenient stance on Russia, Trump responded by claiming that no one had been tougher on Russia than he was.

“I stopped the Russian pipeline. I’m the one who put sanctions on Russia. I’m the one who gave the Javelins. But I get along well with Putin. Nobody has been tougher on Russia than Donald Trump, and they know that,” he said.

Trump went on to explain that he had good relations with other world leaders as well, adding, “I got along with Putin, just like I got along with Kim Jong-un and China’s President Xi Jinping.”

When questioned about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy walking away from the crucial Minerals deal, Trump responded with a grim view of Ukraine’s future.

“Are you comfortable with the fact that he walked away, and Ukraine may not survive?” a reporter asked.

Trump replied: “Well, it may not survive anyway. But, you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two.”

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In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump warned of imposing further sanctions on Russia and urged both nations to negotiate.

“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, tariffs, and sanctions on Russia until a ceasefire and a final settlement agreement on peace is reached,” Trump wrote.

He also called for an immediate ceasefire: “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”

Later that day, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that dealing with Zelensky was more difficult than dealing with Putin. The president has repeatedly claimed that Putin is open to peace talks, while accusing Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.”

“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. They don’t have the cards,” he said.

Trump’s comments come ahead of a meeting between senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. The talks aim to negotiate an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.