Trump Praises Putin as Ukraine Resumes Strikes After US Support Collapses

Key points

• Trump told Newsmax he prefers dealing with Putin over Zelensky, calling the Ukrainian leader 'not a good guy' and claiming he 'destroyed that country.'
• Zelensky announced the resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries, stating 'We're done' with the temporary halt, after US intelligence sharing and Starlink services were restricted.
• Russia accused Ukraine of attacking a refinery in the Ryazan region, claiming debris from intercepted drones caused a fire, while Ukraine denied targeting civilian infrastructure.
• Zelensky accused the US of withdrawing intelligence to pressure Kyiv, a claim Trump denied, though Elon Musk suggested the Starlink restrictions were a political decision by the Trump administration.
• European leaders, including Italy's Defence Minister, criticized the US for cutting support, arguing it signals weakness to Putin and undermines Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Background

This escalation follows a week of intense diplomatic friction. On October 10, Trump called for Zelensky's removal and signed a deal to purchase Russian diesel, which Zelensky condemned as aiding Moscow's war effort. On October 11, US media debated the legitimacy of Trump's pivot toward Moscow. Earlier in September, Zelensky had agreed to an energy ceasefire but expressed doubt about Russia's commitment, noting that Russian strikes continued despite US pressure. The current crisis represents a sharp deterioration from those earlier negotiations, with the US now actively restricting military support rather than mediating.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast frames the situation as a diplomatic humiliation for Zelensky, emphasizing Trump's praise for Putin and his criticism of Zelensky as a sign of US alignment with Russia. The BBC and The Guardian focus on the operational consequences, highlighting the collapse of the energy ceasefire, the resumption of strikes, and the critical impact of restricted Starlink and intelligence sharing on Ukraine's defense. The Financial Times, behind a paywall, likely emphasizes the economic and strategic implications of the resumed strikes on global fuel prices and US-Russia relations. European officials, cited by the BBC, view the US withdrawal of support as a 'complete mistake' that emboldens Russia, while Trump's administration frames the restrictions as leverage to force a peace deal.

Why it matters

The collapse of the energy ceasefire and the US restriction of military support mark a significant shift in the war's trajectory. It signals a potential realignment of US policy toward Russia, undermining Ukraine's defense capabilities and potentially prolonging the conflict. The diplomatic rift between Washington and Kyiv could have broader implications for NATO cohesion and global energy markets, as resumed strikes on Russian refineries may further disrupt fuel supplies.

What to watch

Watch for further US restrictions on military aid or intelligence sharing, which could force Ukraine to rely more heavily on European support. Monitor Russia's response to the resumed strikes, including potential escalations in drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Look for diplomatic efforts by European allies to mediate the US-Ukraine rift and maintain support for Kyiv. The outcome of the energy ceasefire and the status of Starlink services will be key indicators of the war's future trajectory.