Zelenskyy Warns Trump’s Russia Shift Risks Ukraine’s Defeat as U.S. Waives New Sanctions
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Oct 18
Zelenskyy Warns Trump’s Russia Shift Risks Ukraine’s Defeat as U.S. Waives New Sanctions
1 articles · Updated · NBC News · Oct 18
Summary
Zelenskyy said a formal U.S.-Russia alignment would be a “historic mistake” and leave Ukraine unable to prevail, though he still called Trump an ally and said he hopes the president reverses course.
Friday’s sanctions waiver and Trump’s diesel deal with Putin triggered the warning, with Zelenskyy arguing the fuel move would strengthen Putin while doing little to cut U.S. prices driven by the Strait of Hormuz disruption.
U.S. support has also frayed operationally: Zelenskyy said intelligence on incoming ballistic missiles was briefly blocked before being restored, while Starshield speed limits remain in place and he believes Washington signaled SpaceX to impose them.
Sen. James Lankford defended Trump’s moves as prioritizing Americans facing high fuel costs and said the administration is still backing Ukraine while trying to push both sides toward negotiations.
The clash comes as Russia still occupies about a fifth of Ukraine, peace talks remain stalled, and Zelenskyy says he is still seeking talks with U.S. negotiators despite a looming winter and munitions shortages.