Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded strongly to former President Donald Trump’s claim that Ukraine initiated the conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy criticized Trump for being ensnared in a “disinformation bubble” and asserted that his nation is not for sale.

This assertive rebuttal came after Trump’s unexpected remarks on Tuesday, where he suggested that Ukraine bore responsibility for Russia’s invasion three years prior and contended that Kyiv could have negotiated to prevent hostilities.

Zelenskyy noted that, according to an opinion poll released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, while certain sentiments indicated a low approval rating of 4% for his counterpart, a significant 57% of Ukrainians expressed trust in Zelenskyy himself.

Zelenskyy commented on the misinformation circulating, particularly noting its origins from Russia, during a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday. “As we discuss a 4% approval rating, we recognize this as disinformation,” he remarked, refuting Trump’s assertions.

He emphasized that any attempts to unseat him amid the ongoing conflict would be futile. Trump had brought up the potential for Ukrainian elections following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s repeated claims about Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as a leader, insisting that most Ukrainians would reject any compromises with Russia.

“Our military is remarkably resilient, the most resilient in Europe, and it grants us the chance to engage with dignity and on an equal level with all partners—whether allies or not,” Zelenskyy stated.

Addressing the substantial assistance provided by the U.S.—amounting to $67 billion in military aid and $31.5 billion in budgetary support—Zelenskyy said that American suggestions for Ukraine to relinquish over $500 billion in minerals were “not a serious discussion,” clarifying that he cannot sell out his country.

Zelenskyy’s remarks followed Trump’s reactions to earlier comments from the Ukrainian leader about not wanting decisions made without Ukraine’s involvement.

In a statement to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump claimed he believed he could end the war in Ukraine, adding, “But today, I heard, ‘Oh, well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been involved for three years now.”

“You should have never started it,” he continued. “You could have negotiated a deal.”

In response to the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy, Moscow reacted positively. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday, refrained from directly responding to Trump’s remarks but indicated satisfaction with the discussions thus far.

He stated that the current U.S. president is the “first, and so far, the only Western leader” to acknowledge that one of the underlying issues in Ukraine stems from the previous administration’s aggressive push to integrate Ukraine into NATO. “No Western leader has ever articulated this,” Lavrov added.

Lavrov further remarked that Trump’s mention of potential questions from Ukrainians about future elections was a positive indication that the Kremlin’s views were being recognized.

In uttering those sentiments, Trump echoed criticisms raised by Vladimir Putin, who has contested the electoral legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s leadership throughout his tenure.

Since Ukraine’s last presidential election in 2019, the country was anticipated to hold another in April; however, Zelenskyy has previously stated that conducting elections during wartime is unfeasible, a stance that is supported by the constitution.

A recent Pew Research Center poll revealed that 47% of Americans express at least some level of approval for Trump’s performance as president.