Fri Feb 21 04:25:27 UTC 2025: ## Musk Attacks Zelensky, Echoing Trump’s Criticism Amid Ukraine-US Tensions

**Washington D.C./Kyiv –** Elon Musk launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Thursday, claiming the Ukrainian people despise him and echoing Donald Trump’s assertions that Zelensky should hold elections and that the US should not be deeply involved in the Ukraine War. These comments, made on Musk’s X platform and at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), come amidst growing tensions between the US and Ukraine.

Musk, who is heavily involved in Trump’s administration’s overhaul of US government, accused Zelensky of widespread corruption and of canceling elections to maintain power. He presented these accusations without evidence and aligned himself with Trump’s consistently low assessment of Zelensky’s approval ratings, mirroring Kremlin propaganda. At CPAC, Musk praised Trump’s pragmatic approach to the conflict.

The White House, meanwhile, is urging Zelensky to cease his public criticism of Trump and to finalize a minerals deal that would grant the US access to Ukrainian resources in return for US aid. Trump himself has accused Ukraine of starting the war and labeled Zelensky a dictator. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz echoed this sentiment, calling some of Kyiv’s rhetoric and insults toward Trump “unacceptable.” Waltz further pressed Ukraine to accept the minerals deal, framing it as a crucial economic opportunity, while downplaying concerns about who initiated the war and avoiding direct comment on Putin’s leadership style. He insisted that despite Zelensky’s complaints, Ukraine remains engaged in US discussions with Russia.

Zelensky, who met with a US special envoy in Kyiv, has countered Trump’s assertions, warning against the influence of Russian disinformation. He expressed frustration over being excluded from US-Russia talks following a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin.

The White House briefing also announced upcoming visits from French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom have suggested sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of a potential resolution to the conflict. Waltz emphasized the need for increased European financial contributions to Ukrainian defense, asserting that the US cannot solely bear the burden.

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