From US threats to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine to a diesel deal that could help Russia fund its war, it has been a bad week for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington.
Frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
A disruption of US-provided satellite internet services raised fears that Ukraine could be vulnerable as it prepares for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Zelenskiy responded to Trump’s barbs with an unusually sharp series of public criticisms of Trump, suggesting the US was now favoring Russia.
He said Ukraine would defy Trump’s demand to stop striking Russian energy targets, citing Russia’s continued attacks.
The widening rift has sparked concerns that Trump and Zelenskiy’s tumultuous relationship could lead to even worse outcomes for Kyiv.
Trump could yet restrict the supply of weapons to Ukraine, follow through on threats to stop sharing battlefield intelligence, or strike more economic deals with Moscow.
Despite Zelenskiy’s remarks, Kyiv wants to continue dialogue with Trump’s envoys, his friend Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, two Ukrainian officials familiar with the talks said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Denys Sienik, chargé d’affaires at Ukraine’s embassy in Washington, told Newsmax on Friday that Ukraine was grateful to Trump and his team for their efforts to end the war and said Ukraine was willing to engage in talks with Russia.
Trump told reporters on Friday he would continue to deal with both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I want that war to end,” he said.
