Key dates in the latest slump in US-Ukrainian ties

In recent weeks, US-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated, raising concerns about a significant rift between the two nations. Former President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to cease targeting Russian diesel infrastructure during a call, but Zelenskiy appeared to reject Trump's request, stating that Ukraine would intensify attacks on Russian refineries.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened in Miami, with sources revealing that Trump's representatives delivered a stern message to Ukraine, expressing frustration over the ongoing strikes on Russian energy targets. Trump announced that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and his administration temporarily suspended sanctions on Russian fuel. However, Zelenskiy dismissed the move as weak.

Trump asserted that it was time for Ukraine to elect a new president amid the persistent strikes on refineries. He claimed that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an energy ceasefire, though neither nation confirmed the agreement. Despite continued mutual strikes, the U.S. continued to share intelligence with Ukraine.

Elon Musk's SpaceX restricted Starlink services for Ukraine, impacting anti-aircraft drone operations. The decision came from within the White House. Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian refineries was deemed a disgrace by Trump, who suggested that Zelenskiy should seek a different negotiator for the war's end.

Despite restrictions on intelligence sharing and delays in arms shipments, Zelenskiy criticized US decisions, finding them hard to justify. The Kremlin proposed a three-way meeting between Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a suggestion Ukraine dismissed as prolonging the conflict. Trump urged Ukraine to end the war, implying Russia held the upper hand.

Zelenskiy expressed gratitude that U.S. intelligence and early warnings about Russian ballistic attacks were restored. During a summit in Norway, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held constructive talks with Zelenskiy. During his visit, Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a retired U.S. schoolteacher held since 2022. Trump claimed he had requested Putin's intervention for Hubbard's release.

On another day, Russia launched 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, according to authorities, with Zelenskiy stating that Witkoff's talks with Putin had no impact.