Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Losing a Strong Partner
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 14 that his country is losing a strong partner as the United States eases sanctions on Russia while increasing pressure on Kyiv. Speaking in an interview with British host Piers Morgan, Zelensky was asked whether Ukraine is losing the U.S. He replied that it is, but not because of anything Ukraine did, adding that his country cannot afford to be weak. He described it as painful when President Trump chooses one side rather than Ukraine's side.[S1]
The remarks followed Trump's Oct. 9 announcement of a deal to purchase diesel from Russia, alongside his statement that Zelensky should be replaced as Ukraine's leader. When Morgan asked whether he felt betrayed by Trump, the Ukrainian leader said he really did, though he noted the situation is more complicated than just his emotions or feelings.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
Starlink Restrictions and a Warning That People Will Die
Zelensky described the move to limit Ukraine's Starlink access, a service run by Elon Musk's SpaceX, as a serious error. On Oct. 14, Ukraine verified that its use of Starlink terminals had been heavily curtailed, disrupting combat operations. The president stated that Kyiv has requested that Starlink service be restored, cautioning that without it, lives will be lost.[S1]
A Low Point in Relations and an Energy Truce
Ties between Ukraine and the U.S. deteriorated after Trump attributed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries to surging global fuel prices, an assertion experts contested, and his team warned it might halt intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries unless Kyiv stopped the attacks. Washington then suddenly revealed an arrangement permitting Moscow to ship diesel to the U.S. and other markets despite sanctions tied to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Days later, on Oct. 11, Trump unilaterally declared an energy truce between Russia and Ukraine, catching Ukrainian officials off guard.[S1]
Although Kyiv endorsed the truce and stated it had halted strikes on Russian refineries following the announcement, Moscow has kept up its assaults on Ukraine's power grid without any rebuke from Trump. Zelensky expressed his belief that Trump's advisers are mistaken and said he is unsure who is steering Trump toward the wrong position. He added that this is not the correct side of history.[S1]
