Donald Trump has stated that he believes Russia holds a significant advantage in negotiations to bring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to a close, noting that the country has “gained substantial territory.”

In an interview with the BBC, the former US president expressed his confidence that Moscow is seeking a resolution to the war, which escalated nearly three years ago with Russia’s large-scale invasion.

While returning to Washington, D.C., after addressing a Saudi-backed investment summit in Florida, Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” for the second time in one day.

Trump’s comments were prompted by Zelensky’s reaction to recent US-Russia discussions held in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was excluded. Zelensky accused Trump of existing within a “disinformation space” influenced by Moscow.

“I genuinely think the Russians want the war to end,” Trump stated during the interview aboard Air Force One. “They possess certain advantages because they have taken control of a lot of territory.”

When questioned about his trust in Russia’s desire for peace, Trump confidently replied, “Yes, I do.”

His remarks followed a tirade against Zelensky in Florida, where Trump labeled the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” repeating this accusation shortly after in a post on Truth Social.

A representative from the White House indicated that Trump’s post was a direct response to Zelensky’s claims of “disinformation.”

“He refuses to hold elections. His approval ratings are low in genuine Ukrainian polls. How can they be high when cities are being destroyed?” Trump remarked during his Florida speech.

While Zelensky’s five-year term is set to conclude in May 2024, the ongoing martial law in Ukraine—instated since Russia’s invasion in February 2022—has resulted in the suspension of elections.

Trump has suggested that Zelensky’s popularity is low, claiming the Ukrainian president has a mere 4% approval rating. However, recent polling by BBC Verify indicates that as of this month, 57% of Ukrainians expressed trust in their president.

Trump’s “dictator” remark quickly drew criticism from European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who labeled it “incorrect and dangerous” to deny President Zelensky’s democratic legitimacy.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also reaffirmed his support for Zelensky in a phone conversation with the Ukrainian leader.

On Tuesday, US and Russian officials engaged in their first high-level, in-person discussions since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, without any invitation extended to Ukraine.

Trump suggested that Ukraine should bear some responsibility for the conflict, asserting, “You should never have started it. A deal could have been made.”

In response to these comments, Zelensky accused Russia of dishonesty during what he termed a “notorious meeting.”

“With all due respect to President Donald Trump as a leader… he is caught up in this landscape of misinformation,” Zelensky stated.