**Trump Accuses Zelenskyy of Responsibility for Ukraine Conflict and Criticizes Biden's Role**

In a recent podcast conversation with conservative commentator Patrick Bet-David, former President Donald Trump controversially pinned the blame for the ongoing war in Ukraine on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump stated that Zelenskyy "should never have let that war start," calling the conflict "a loser," and suggested that President Joe Biden had a hand in "instigating that war." Trump's comments follow a pattern of increasingly sympathetic rhetoric toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, the recognized aggressor in this conflict.

Contrary to Trump's assertions, it is widely acknowledged that Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine's borders during a so-called "special military operation" in 2022, an act that Western allies deemed a declaration of war. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over a million casualties, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal last month.

Trump's relationship with Putin has raised eyebrows, especially in light of his recent remarks. During a debate last month with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump emphasized the necessity of ending the war but avoided directly responding when asked if he believed Ukraine should triumph. Furthermore, journalist Bob Woodward revealed in a book released on Monday that Trump had engaged with Putin up to seven times since leaving office and had even sent him Covid-19 tests while still in power, a report that Trump has neither confirmed nor denied.

During the podcast, Trump dismissed accusations that he is "in the pocket" of Russia, citing the sanctions he imposed on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline as evidence of his tough stance. This pipeline, which was intended to increase Russian gas exports to Germany, was eventually shut down as part of measures to reduce Europe's reliance on Russian energy due to the ongoing conflict.

Trump concluded by asserting that he maintains "a good relationship with Putin and with Zelenskyy." He had met with Zelenskyy last month during the United Nations General Assembly and expressed his willingness to broker a deal that would be "good for both sides."