Zelenskyy Warns US Support for Russia Would Be a 'Historic Mistake' Amid Starlink Dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the US formally siding with Russia would be a 'historic mistake,' despite recent US moves that have unsettled Kyiv. Zelenskyy stated that he still views President Donald Trump as an ally but believes recent decisions, including waiving sanctions and limiting Starlink access, are errors. The US waived sanctions on Russian oil and gas buyers and agreed to release Russian diesel onto the global market. Simultaneously, Ukraine faced a temporary block on US intelligence sharing and speed restrictions on Starlink, which Zelenskyy attributed to US government pressure. Although intelligence sharing has resumed, Starlink restrictions remain, impacting Ukraine's ability to intercept drones. Zelenskyy criticized Trump's diesel deal, arguing it will strengthen Russia's resolve to occupy Ukraine, while Trump claimed the move addresses soaring fuel costs. The two leaders' relationship has strained, with Trump calling Zelenskyy 'more difficult to deal with than Putin.' Zelenskyy remains open to dialogue, hoping to resolve the impasse, while European allies urge caution to preserve US support.
