
US President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over energy policies and threatened to cut intelligence support, waived Russia-related sanctions and tariffs, and disrupted satellite internet services, prompting Zelensky to accuse the US of favoring Russia and vow to continue striking Russian energy targets amid fears of winter vulnerabilities.
AI-generated summary
The US has been a key ally of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing military, financial, and intelligence support. Tensions have grown over Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which Trump claims contribute to high US energy costs.
From US threats to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine to a waiver of tariffs on Russian exports and a diesel deal that could help Russia fund its war, it has been a damaging week for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington.
US President Donald Trump, frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, has repeatedly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 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.
Zelensky responded to Trump’s barbs with an unusually sharp series of public criticisms of Trump, suggesting the US was now favouring Russia. He said Ukraine would defy Trump’s demand to stop striking Russian energy targets, citing Russia’s continued attacks.
Intensifying the discord, Trump waived key US Russia-related sanctions and tariffs on Friday, shortly before they were scheduled to take effect. That prompted Zelensky to say in social media posts that Trump’s action would encourage Russia to continue attacks on Ukraine.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will continue striking Russian energy targets despite US pressure
Likely · Within weeks
Russia will increase attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure
Likely · Within months

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