Off the Record: Trump blames Zelenskyy to cover up his own mess in a dramatic week for Ukraine

The week was particularly challenging for Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced mounting fears of abandonment and the US announced a controversial deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel. This deal was seen as flawed, as it granted Russia a fresh revenue boost with no strings attached, providing little to no relief beyond temporary respite.

Consequently, US President Donald Trump appeared increasingly agitated about the upcoming US midterm elections. Higher petrol prices due to the war in Iran were fueling economic concerns for Americans, who expected cheap energy. Trump's frustration with Zelenskyy stemmed from his perception that the Ukrainian leader was obstructing peace efforts.

Trump harshly criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of creating problems for American interests and suggesting that the Ukrainian president claimed to want peace with Russia while actively opposing it. Trump's criticism extended to Zelenskyy's military appearance, manners, and refusal to compromise. However, Zelenskyy argued that refineries involved in funding the Russian war machine should be considered legitimate military targets.

While acknowledging the need for pressure in negotiations, Zelenskyy insisted that Ukraine would not make any territorial concessions, as any hypothetical swaps would not be recognized de jure. The US administration's strategy to coax Russia into peace through economic incentives and negotiations risks misinterpreting Putin's motivations.

For Ukrainians, the war is about survival, and Zelenskyy has maintained his stance on territorial integrity, refusing to compromise on it.