Volodymyr Zelenskyy Warns U.S. Siding With Russia Is A Historic Mistake
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the United States formally siding with Russia would prevent Ukraine from prevailing in the war, calling such a shift a historic mistake during an interview with NBC News on Sunday. Despite severe strains in personal relations and recent policy clashes, Zelenskyy said he still views President Donald Trump as an ally whom he wants to trust, while expressing hope that Washington will alter its recent decisions.
The warnings follow an executive order signed by Trump on Friday waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia scheduled to take effect under the Graham Act. Trump defended the waiver in his executive order by stating it serves the national interests of the United States. Reuters reported that the legislative package, signed into law last month, was designed to impose penalties of up to 100 percent on goods from buyers of Russian oil and gas to increase economic pressure for the invasion that began in 2022.
Sanctions Waivers And Diesel Deals Strain Kyiv Washington Relations
The sanctions waiver came just days after a separate deal permitting hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel fuel onto the global market. Trump stated the fuel agreement aims to address soaring domestic energy costs. Zelenskyy argued that the diesel deal will not have a real influence on the price of oil in the U.S., but asserted the arrangement puts more money directly into Putin’s pocket to finance the war.
Writing on X, Reuters reported that Zelenskyy criticized the reversal as a decision that helps only Moscow and fails to stop the war. Representative Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, released a statement asserting that the executive order capitulated to Putin and defied congressional intent. Conversely, James Lankford, R-Okla., defended the administration’s actions on Meet the Press, stating that Trump was “siding with the free people of Ukraine,” adding that Trump was working to get the two countries “to the table to be able to negotiate.”
Intelligence Sharing Interruptions And Starlink Restrictions Limit Defense Operations
Friction between Kyiv and Washington has extended beyond economic policy into critical military capabilities. Zelenskyy stated that U.S. intelligence sharing regarding incoming ballistic missiles was briefly “blocked,” leaving Ukrainian defense forces temporarily blinded. He noted that limits have been placed on Starlink technology critical to intercept jet-powered drones. Zelenskyy told moderator Kristen Welker that Ukrainian officials believe the decision to limit Starlink, imposed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, came in response to a “message from American government.”
Zelenskyy indicated that if Trump decided to lift the restriction, “it will immediately work as it was before.” Meanwhile, Zelenskyy urged European leaders at an October 16 European Council meeting to adopt a robust 22nd package of sanctions targeting Russian ballistic missile production and financial networks, while warning that Ukraine will require at least 70 billion euros in additional European aid to meet projected 2027 defense costs of 155 billion euros.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific legislation did President Trump waive with his executive order?
President Trump waived sanctions and tariffs scheduled to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law in mid-September.
How much financial aid does Ukraine project it will need from Europe?
According to statements made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an October 16 European Council meeting, Ukraine will need at least 70 billion euros in additional aid from European partners to cover defense expenditures projected at 155 billion euros for 2027.
What reason did the White House give for waiving the sanctions?
In his executive order, President Trump stated that waiving the sweeping sanctions against Russia is in the national interests of the United States.
Keep reading