Stories
Zelenskyy Accuses Trump of Pushing Ukraine to Yield to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions
C
CNBC TV18•19-10-2026, 06:48
Zelenskyy Accuses Trump of Pushing Ukraine to Yield to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions
- •Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused US President Donald Trump of trying to pressure Kyiv into surrendering to Russia amid a deepening diplomatic row.
- •Zelenskyy offered to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for more Patriot air-defence missiles, but claimed Washington only wants the attacks to stop without providing the requested defense systems.
- •Relations between the US and Ukraine have hit a new low following a diesel export deal and sanctions waiver brokered by Trump with Vladimir Putin.
- •Zelenskyy highlighted unfriendly moves by Washington, including delayed Patriot interceptor deliveries and the alleged deliberate slowing of Starlink internet speeds for Ukrainian troops.
- •Despite current political tensions and an upcoming challenging winter, Zelenskyy expressed hope that relations with Washington may improve following the US midterm elections.
Key Questions Answered
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed halting attacks on Russian oil refineries—aimed at curbing high diesel prices—in exchange for receiving more Patriot air-defence missiles to protect Ukrainian facilities from Russian attacks.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Washington of deliberately slowing down Starlink internet speeds for Ukrainian troops and delaying the already scarce deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles crucial for defending Ukrainian cities.
Donald Trump stated that he proceeded with the diesel export deal and waived part of a new Russia sanctions law because he wanted to keep Vladimir Putin engaged in peace talks rather than driving him away.
