Some Utah Republicans push back against Trump labeling Ukraine’s president a ‘dictator’

SALT LAKE CITY — Without criticizing President Donald Trump directly, several Utah Republicans pushed back against the commander-in-chief’s description of Ukraine’s leader as a “dictator” and suggesting that Kyiv started the war against Russia. Nearing the three-year anniversary of the start of the war, President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator without elections.” Speaking of Ukraine’s leaders on Tuesday at his Mar-a-Lago resort as he talked about efforts to end the ongoing war, Trump said, “You should have never started it.”

pic.twitter.com/PMcrOwXejI — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2025

In fact, Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, leading to thousands of casualties on both sides. Zelenskyy, for his part, has said the American president is a victim of Russian disinformation. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, defended Ukraine’s leader in a statement Wednesday to KSL TV. “President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood admirably against an unprovoked invasion,” Curtis said. “I want an end to this war just as much as President Trump does, but it must end on terms that bring lasting stability and peace. That means ensuring Vladimir Putin does not walk away with a victory.” Curtis, who took office last month, added that Ukraine is a “sovereign nation defending itself against aggression.” “The United States should always pursue strategies that promote freedom and security, and I am eager to see where President Trump’s efforts lead,” Curtis said. “I have learned not to speculate on his negotiating tactics, but I do know that any long-term peace must come from strength, not concession.”

President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood admirably against an unprovoked invasion. I want an end to this war just as much as President Trump does, but it must end on terms that bring lasting stability and peace. That means ensuring Vladimir Putin does not walk away… — Senator John Curtis (@SenJohnCurtis) February 19, 2025

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton – who has traveled to Ukraine during the war – strongly defended Zelenskyy. “I actually think President Zelenskyy’s been a great leader,” Adams said, praising Ukraine for holding on against Russia. Asked if Trump’s remarks were wrong, Adams wouldn’t say. “He’s going to say what he says,” Adams said. “I just have my own opinion.”Last year, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and other leaders welcomed Zelenskyy to Utah as part of the National Governors Association summer meetings. Cox became emotional as he talked about Ukraine’s fight for freedom. “Sometimes it's hard to tell who the good guys are and who the bad guys are,” Cox said while introducing Zelenskyy. “This is not one of those times.” Asked for comment Wednesday on Trump’s latest remarks, Cox – who endorsed Trump for president after years of resisting him – was much more muted. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support Utahns have shown for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and pray for the president’s efforts to negotiate a lasting peace,” Cox said in a statement. A spokesperson for Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks. When Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2022, Lee condemned the move, calling it a “cruel attack” and a “gross breach of sovereignty.” Since then, Lee has become a sharp critic of the war and has repeatedly called for an end to U.S. funding for Ukraine. In one of many posts Wednesday on his personal X account, Lee reshared some of Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy with the headline: “He’s not subtle!” House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, did not immediately have a comment on Trump’s remarks, a spokesperson said.

Related topics