Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy, Sparks Tensions Over Ukraine War Talks and Arms

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should not be the one to negotiate an end to Russia's war, stating that Zelenskyy "should have had settled this war a long time ago." Trump told reporters, "If he would’ve listened to me, he would have made a much better deal a long time ago," adding, "Maybe it’s time for Zelenskyy to get somebody else to negotiate." This marks a deepening rift between the two leaders, with Trump having publicly criticized Zelenskyy for several days. On Sunday, Trump claimed on Truth Social that Zelenskyy is unwilling to end the conflict. Earlier this month, Trump called for Zelenskyy's replacement and labeled him a "warmonger" due to Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump also defended sanctions waivers for Russia, expressing a desire to keep Moscow engaged in negotiations. Zelenskyy indicated that such decisions would "hurt Ukraine" and bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts.

Furthermore, Trump announced on October 9 plans for Russia to supply over 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets to stabilize soaring fuel prices, a consequence of the US and Israel's war on Iran initiated in late February. This decision has drawn criticism not only from Kyiv but also from European partners and US officials, who argue it benefits Moscow while its war in Ukraine continues. Zelenskyy informed US senators during a meeting on Monday that decisions made by the Trump administration are "hard to explain between friends." He noted delays in arms shipments and restrictions on intelligence sharing, specifically mentioning that the Pentagon is holding up missile deliveries paid for by partners through the PURL program. Zelenskyy also stated that one missile package awaited the signature of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and that several European countries were ready to provide Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but required US approval.

In a video message posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine had not received the usual advance warnings of Russian attacks from its partners on three occasions in the past week. Last week, Zelenskyy also suggested that disruptions to Starlink services in Ukraine were "deliberate," a claim rejected by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This exchange occurs as Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to travel to Norway for the next round of negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter. Two sources anticipate Zelenskyy's attendance at these meetings, which are expected to involve Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, representatives from the E4 (United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland), the European Union, and NATO.