Zelensky speaks to US envoys as Trump lashes out

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Sunday to attempt to ease tensions arising from the ongoing war with Russia. Both nations were targeting each other's energy sites, with Russia leaving thousands without power and Ukraine carrying out the largest drone attack on Saint Petersburg since the war began in 2022.

Donald Trump, the US president, accused Zelensky of not wanting to end the war, stating that he had been making great progress in negotiations and was in the process of reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Trump alleged that Zelensky was using Russian diesel refineries as a target, causing significant harm to diesel markets worldwide, including the United States.

The US president also struck a diesel deal with Moscow, which has fueled fears in Kyiv and Europe that the White House is favoring Russia over Ukraine. Zelensky, in response, expressed his readiness to work constructively and honestly with all partners, including European and American sides. He also discussed the delivery of US Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, which has been struggling to counter Russian missile attacks.

Zelensky had previously accused Russia of breaking Trump's energy ceasefire 76 times and warned that Moscow planned to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity before winter. On Sunday, Ukrainian drones targeted Saint Petersburg's oil refinery, causing an oil depot to catch fire and killing one person. The Kremlin denied the attack, claiming that Ukrainian strikes on its cities would not change its war objectives.

As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on how to end the war and bring stability to the region.