Farage distances himself from Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy is a ‘dictator,’ but stops short of full rebuke

Nigel Farage has pushed back against Donald Trump’s scathing attack on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, denying the US president’s claim that the Ukrainian leader is a “dictator.” The Reform UK leader, who has long been a vocal Trump ally, took an unusually measured stance, urging people not to take Trump’s words “absolutely literally.”

Farage’s response came late compared to other British political figures. He cited his travel to the US for the Conservative Political Action Conference as the reason for his delay. Speaking to GB News from Washington DC, he acknowledged Trump’s tendency for hyperbole, saying:

“You should always take everything Donald Trump says seriously, you shouldn’t always take things Donald Trump says absolutely literally. I think that applies very much in this case.”

Trump unleashed his attack on Zelenskyy via his Truth Social account on Wednesday, branding him a “dictator without elections” and accusing him of misleading the US into spending $350 billion on a war that “couldn’t be won.” He mocked Zelenskyy’s past as a comedian, declaring the Ukrainian president had “done a terrible job” and warning him to “move fast or he is not going to have a country left.”

Farage, however, attempted to strike a more diplomatic tone. “Let’s be clear, Zelenskyy is not a dictator. But it’s only right and proper that Ukrainians have a timeline for elections,” he added.

Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, postponed Ukraine’s 2024 elections due to martial law imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion. His decision mirrors historical precedents, including Britain’s suspension of elections during World War II.

Keir Starmer directly addressed the issue in a private call with Zelenskyy, reaffirming his support for Ukraine and defending the election delay as a wartime necessity. A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer described it as “perfectly reasonable, as the UK did during World War II.”

Other British political figures wasted no time in condemning Trump’s remarks. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey swiftly issued public statements distancing themselves from his comments. Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer also criticised Trump’s language just before Farage arrived in Washington.

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey evoked Winston Churchill in his defence of Zelenskyy, likening Ukraine’s wartime election suspension to Britain’s during WWII. Speaking in Norway, he reiterated NATO’s importance, pushing back against Trump’s claims that US security interests are at odds with European stability.

“Europe’s best security interests and America’s best security interests are satisfied by an end to this war in Ukraine and by a strong, unified NATO,” Healey stated.

As Trump doubles down on his rhetoric, Farage’s attempt to temper the fallout highlights a rare moment of divergence between the two allies. Yet, his delayed response has not gone unnoticed, raising questions about his willingness to openly challenge Trump’s most incendiary claims.

SKY NEWS

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s “democratically elected leader” after Donald Trump branded him a “dictator.” In a call, Starmer defended Ukraine’s wartime suspension of elections and pledged UK support for US-led peace efforts.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also refuted Trump’s claim but agreed Europe must “pull its weight” on defence. With Starmer set to meet Trump in Washington, concerns grow over America’s shifting stance on European security. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson suggested Trump’s rhetoric is meant to push Europe into action.