UK minister defends Zelensky from Trump 'dictator' accusation

Britain's defence minister on Thursday hit back at attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky, comparing the actions of the Ukrainian president with those of British national hero Winston Churchill during World War II.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Zelensky in recent days, accusing him of being a "dictator without elections" and of having "started" the war -- lines of attack also used by Russian officials.

Zelensky was elected in 2019 for a five-year term and has remained leader under martial law imposed as his country fights for its survival.

"He was elected, he's the elected leader of Ukraine," UK defence minister John Healey told reporters during a visit to Norway.

"And he's done what Winston Churchill did in Britain in the Second World War, suspended elections while at war."

Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country and 20 percent of its territory is occupied by Russia, making the organization of an election difficult.

Britain's coalition government led by Winston Churchill also suspended legislative elections during World War II, with a vote ultimately held in July 1945.

On Wednesday, Trump continued his pro-Moscow rhetoric, saying the Russians "have the cards" in any negotiation to end the war "because they've taken a lot of territory."

A satisfied Kremlin said Thursday it had "decided to start resuming Russian-American dialogue on all parameters," adding it "absolutely" agreed with the US administration on Ukraine.