Zelenskyy Calls for U.S. Support Amid Tensions with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged U.S. President Donald Trump to supply interceptor missiles to help defend Ukraine’s energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. In an interview with Italy’s Corriere Della Sera, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for missile defense if Trump cannot restrain Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed allegations of deliberate harm to Ukraine, stating that Trump was frustrated by false accusations. Rubio explained the balancing of obligations to other partners and domestic requirements.
The situation unfolded as Zelenskyy prepared to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway, with Jared Kushner expected to join remotely. Zelenskyy accused the Trump administration of delaying missile shipments and restricting Starlink satellite data critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russian drones.
Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors and Zelenskyy has sought more support. Rubio, visiting India, pointed out global demand for Patriots, including from Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Amid daily Russian attacks claiming civilian lives, Ukraine’s relations with Washington are strained. After recent Russian strikes in Kyiv killed four, Zelenskyy voiced concerns over a lack of timely warnings from partners.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced that Finnish President Alexander Stubb would join Oslo talks aiming to foster constructive diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s waiver of sanctions on Russia to address rising U.S. gas prices has drawn criticism from Zelenskyy, who fears it could embolden Moscow. Zelenskyy noted Ukraine’s struggle to access Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite network, for drone interception.
A senior Pentagon official stated there has been no change in policy regarding intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Despite Trump’s public criticism of Zelenskyy, accusations against him of cutting intelligence sharing remain denied.
During discussions with U.S. lawmakers, Zelenskyy highlighted delays in missile delivery, stating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hadn’t approved shipments, causing European countries to await U.S. authorization.
Rubio addressed the issue of undelivered interceptors for Ukraine, affirming no political decision to harm Ukraine. He reiterated Trump’s objection to being blamed for unfounded actions.
Zelenskyy underscored his commitment to transparent relations with the U.S., expressing a desire for honest, pragmatic partnerships. He conveyed the ongoing threat from Russian attacks and the necessity for U.S. support.
Trump suggested a summit with Putin and China’s Xi Jinping to discuss Ukraine among other issues. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that talks without Ukraine’s involvement could encourage further aggression from Putin.