Trump calls Zelensky ‘the greatest salesman' as he reveals US no longer sends direct money to Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Monday, August 25, clarified that the United States is no longer directly providing financial aid to Ukraine.

Instead, Washington profits from arms sales to European NATO partners, who then supply ammunition and equipment to Kyiv.

Trump says US no longer sends direct aid to Ukraine

“We don’t pay any money to Ukraine anymore. Do you know that? In fact, it’s the opposite. They request through NATO. We deal with NATO. We don’t deal really with Ukraine. NATO pays us in full and does what they want,” Trump told reporters during a press interaction at the White House on August 25.

The president emphasized that this approach keeps the US from bearing the financial burden directly, while still allowing Ukraine to receive the military support it seeks. After his latest sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump described the Ukrainian leader as a skilled negotiator.

“I don’t blame Ukraine… if they come and ask for a hundred billion dollars and they get it,” Trump said, before adding, “Zelensky is the greatest salesman I think I’ve ever met.”

The tone of the August meeting was markedly different from their earlier encounter in February, which Trump noted “didn’t read right” at the time. 

Trump labels Ukraine conflict as ‘Biden’s war’ 

Trump once again used the moment to criticize his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, over how US aid to Ukraine had previously been structured. He reiterated his view that the war itself stemmed from poor leadership in Washington.

“This is Biden’s war,” Trump said firmly. “It should have never happened, would have never happened.” He expressed confidence that the invasion and subsequent conflict would not have occurred had he been in office at the time.

While distancing his administration from direct financial assistance to Kyiv, Trump also acknowledged Ukraine’s right to defend itself. On multiple occasions, he has stressed that he opposes unnecessary loss of life but believes the US should avoid being drawn into costly foreign entanglements.  

Trump jokes with Volodymyr Zelensky about canceling elections in wartime

Trump joked alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United States could suspend elections during wartime.

The exchange came when pro-MAGA reporter Brian Glenn asked Zelensky whether Ukraine planned to hold elections despite Russia’s ongoing assault. Zelensky replied that constant missile strikes and devastated infrastructure made a national vote unfeasible.

Trump then quipped: “So you say during the war, you can’t have elections. So let me just say, three and a half years from now, so you mean if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections. Oh, that’s good. I wonder what the fake news—” before Zelensky interjected with a wry, “You like this idea?”