Trump dismisses Russian claims against Zelensky's legitimacy as "posturing"
By ramontomeydw // 2025-08-28
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  • Trump rejected Moscow's questioning of Zelensky’s legitimacy, calling it "b******t" and emphasizing that Russian objections are tactical rather than substantive.
  • Russia argues Zelensky's five-year term expired in May 2024 after his 2019 election victory, raising doubts about his ability to sign binding agreements. However, Ukraine's parliament continues to affirm his authority.
  • Trump believes he could end the war "very quickly," echoing his 2016 promise to reset relations with Putin. His approach favors direct, high-pressure diplomacy over drawn-out multilateral talks.
  • European leaders remain wary of Putin’s intentions, despite Russia’s shift from demanding regime change to conceding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
  • Trump’s remarks signal a return to transactional, leader-to-leader diplomacy, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles. His stance challenges Moscow while appealing to voters weary of prolonged conflict.
In a striking rebuke to Moscow's rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Russian claims questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy as mere posturing. Trump made the remarks during a roundtable discussion Tuesday, Aug. 26, which had U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in attendance. "It doesn't matter what they say," the president remarked. "Everybody's posturing. It's all b******t." Trump then turned to Witkoff, who concurred with the chief executive's remarks. The special envoy, who serves as Trump's representative to and has engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinforced the real estate mogul's stance that Moscow's objections are tactical rather than substantive. Trump's comments follow earlier statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During an earlier interview with NBC News, Moscow's top diplomat framed Zelensky as the "de facto head of the regime" in Ukraine. However, Lavrov questioned whether Kyiv could sign binding agreements, citing Ukraine’s delayed elections under wartime provisions. (Related: Zelensky's presidential term has EXPIRED, but he still remains as Ukraine's de facto chief executive.) Zelensky – originally a comedian and actor – was elected in 2019 and has ruled Ukraine under martial law since Russia's special military operation in 2022. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, his legal term "expired in early May 2024, yet he has refused to hold elections." The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has repeatedly affirmed Zelensky's authority despite Russia's claims.

Beyond diplomacy: Can Trump really stop the war?

Trump's blunt rejection of Moscow's narrative underscores his confidence in resolving the conflict swiftly, even as geopolitical tensions escalate and Ukraine's Western allies grow skeptical of Russia's willingness to negotiate in good faith. His dismissal of Lavrov's claims aligns with his long-stated belief that diplomatic posturing often obscures realpolitik. Historical context amplifies the significance of Trump's remarks. Since the Cold War, U.S. presidents have navigated delicate negotiations with Moscow –  often facing Russian disinformation campaigns and shifting diplomatic demands. Trump's assertion that he could settle the war "very quickly" – potentially within 24 hours – echoes his 2016 campaign promises to reset relations with Putin while maintaining American leverage. His criticism of Zelensky's fundraising tactics suggests an unconventional approach, bypassing prolonged multilateral negotiations in favor of direct, high-pressure diplomacy. European allies remain wary. Vice President JD Vance noted that Russia has conceded Ukraine's territorial integrity – a shift from early war demands for regime change – but skepticism persists over Putin’s true intentions. Meanwhile, Zelensky's recent invitation to Trump – perceived by some as a sarcastic gesture – hints at Kyiv's awareness of shifting U.S. priorities. With Washington's focus pivoting to the Middle East and domestic fatigue over Ukraine aid mounting, Trump's pledge to impose terms rather than debate them could redefine the conflict's endgame. Trump's comments signal a potential foreign policy upheaval: A return to transactional, leader-to-leader deal-making, dismissive of bureaucratic hurdles. Whether his confidence translates into a viable peace or risks emboldening Moscow remains to be seen. For now, his blunt rejection of Russian "posturing" serves as both a challenge to the Kremlin and a promise to voters weary of endless war. Watch Andriy Telizhenko explaining that Zelensky is not Ukraine's legal president based on the country's own constitution. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Putin declares Zelensky illegitimate, stalls peace talks. Zelensky no longer legitimate leader of Ukraine – Putin. Zelensky extends martial law again, delaying elections amid legitimacy concerns. Permanent dictator: Zelensky declares NO MORE ELECTIONS in Ukraine until war ends. Sources include: TheHill.com WashingtonExaminer.com USA.News-Pravda.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com
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