US-Russia deal, Trump-Zelensky clash could leave Ukraine out in the cold
From US threats to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine to a waiver of tariffs on Russian exports and a diesel deal that could help Russia fund its war, it has been a damaging week for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington. US President Donald Trump, frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, has repeatedly criticised…
In a week marked by escalating tensions, the relationship between Ukraine and its closest ally, the United States, has been thrown into turmoil. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming him for high energy costs that he attributes to Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. This has led to a series of actions by Trump that have further strained ties with Kyiv.
The US President has threatened to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine and waived key sanctions and tariffs on Russian exports. This move, coupled with a diesel deal that could potentially fund Russia's war efforts, has raised concerns about Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Zelensky, in response, has criticized Trump, suggesting that the US is now favoring Russia. He has also indicated that Ukraine would continue to strike Russian energy targets despite Trump's demands.
Trump's decision to waive sanctions and tariffs on Russia has further exacerbated the situation. This move has been interpreted by Zelensky as encouraging Russia to continue its attacks on Ukraine. Trump's actions have also sparked concerns that he could further restrict weapons supply to Ukraine, stop sharing battlefield intelligence, or engage in more economic deals with Moscow.
Despite Zelensky's comments, Kyiv remains open to dialogue with Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine's charge d’affaires, Denys Sienik, has expressed gratitude to Trump and his team for their efforts to end the war and has indicated willingness to engage in talks with Russia. Trump has reiterated his commitment to resolving the conflict, stating that he wants the war to end.
However, experts warn that Trump's actions could have dire consequences for Ukraine and the war efforts. The widening rift between Trump and Zelensky has raised fears that it could lead to even worse outcomes for Kyiv, potentially worsening the situation with Russia. The stakes for Ukraine are high and immediate, with the country facing a lack of US intelligence and potential disruptions to its Starlink communications due to US government actions.
Trump's relationship with Zelensky has historically been uneasy, with recent confrontations further deepening the divide.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
