US President Donald Trump has repeated his false claim that Ukraine began the war with Russia. Speaking to journalists in the White House on Monday, Trump accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for sparking the conflict. Trump blamed President Joe Biden for not doing enough to avoid the war. Trump has on numerous occasions pointed fingers away from Russia.
He has accused similar in the past, targeting NATO, Zelenskyy, and Biden. However, in real, Russia had invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, upon President Vladimir Putin’s direct order. Trump’s words are representative of an ever-closer closeness with Russia as he steps into his second term.
Trump tries to attack Zelenskyy and Biden
At a press encounter, Trump said Zelenskyy had caused the war. He’s always wanting to buy missiles,” Trump stated. “When you begin a war, you have to know you can win a war.” He continued, “You don’t begin a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope people give you some missiles.
Trump has fully turned on Zelenskyy: “He’s always looking to purchase missiles. Listen, when you start a war, you gotta know you can win a war. You don’t start a war against somebody that’s 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles.” pic.twitter.com/1hBWeyu2hg
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2025
Subsequently, Trump repeated the statement on his social media website, Truth Social. He said, “President Zelenskyy and Crooked Joe Biden did an absolutely horrible job in allowing this travesty to begin.”
Trump’s history of misleading claims
Trump has tried to exonerate Russia for a long time. He has inaccurately pinned the blame on NATO enlargement, Zelenskyy’s administration, and Biden’s foreign policy.
These are false accusations. Russia started the war in 2022. It was their second invasion of Ukraine, following their illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.
He has also referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and advocated regime change by supporting internal opponents in Ukraine. His government has continually insisted on ceasefires and concessions favorable to Russia.
Misinformation around US aid
Trump has wildly overstated US assistance to Ukraine. He said the US has given $350 billion to date. But facts are different. Up to September 2024, the US had committed approximately $183 billion. Only $86.7 billion had been spent, quoting the US inspector general.
In February, Trump also lied when he said Zelenskyy missed a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent because he was sleeping. Actually, Zelenskyy met Bessent. Official government accounts shared photos of the meeting on X.
Trump’s account now openly aligns with Russia’s interests. As he pressures Ukraine to yield land and resources, he exerts no pressure on Russia. His repeated lies not only distort history but also undermine international will against Russian aggression.
