Tensions flared between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following U.S.-Russia peace talks held in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian representation. Trump, who has consistently claimed he alone can resolve the conflict, faced criticism from Zelenskyy for engaging with Russia while Ukraine was excluded.

Zelenskyy accused Trump of spreading Russian "disinformation" after the former president suggested Zelenskyy could have ended the war sooner and even implied Ukraine initiated the conflict. Trump retorted by calling Zelenskyy a "dictator" and criticized his leadership. He also made inaccurate claims about the amount of U.S. aid provided to Ukraine.

Trump's comments echoed his earlier statements where he seemingly blamed Ukraine for the war's prolongation. Zelenskyy countered, stating Trump was operating within a "disinformation space" influenced by Russia. He emphasized Ukraine's need to be present at any peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy postponed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia after learning of the U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian officials. The U.S. stated its immediate priority following the talks was to restore diplomatic operations in both Washington and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump met at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 27, 2024. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting with members of the Security Council at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 13, 2024.  (Aleksey Babushkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, second from left, and other U.S. officials meet with Russian leaders to discuss a peace agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)