President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the actions of US President Donald Trump’s administration appeared to him to be attempts to pressure Ukraine into capitulation. He expressed hope that after the US midterm elections on November 3, the atmosphere in relations between Kyiv and Washington would become calmer.
Zelenskyy said this in an interview with Bloomberg. He stressed that he was not claiming that capitulation was the goal of the American partners, but that this was how he perceived the situation.
“I believe steps were taken to persuade Ukraine to capitulate. I am not saying this is the goal of our partners. I do not want to think that our American partners believe the war can end faster at Ukraine’s expense. But this is how it looks.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Starlink and Patriot missiles
As examples of what he considers unfriendly US steps, Zelenskyy cited restrictions on the speed of the Starlink satellite service, which is critically important for the Ukrainian military, as well as delays in the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles.
According to the president, these missiles are needed to counter Russian ballistic strikes that cause significant damage to Ukrainian cities.
A LIGA.net source in the government also said that Ukraine once again did not receive US intelligence on the launch of Russian ballistic missiles during the attack on the night of October 19.
Expectations after the US elections
Zelenskyy linked the current tensions to the election campaign in the United States. In his view, after the vote, political confrontation may ease and the situation may calm down.
“I think this is agony now, but after the elections, life will go on, and I believe it will become calmer.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
The president also said that Trump maintains good relations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“One thing is not working here. At present, Trump cannot force Putin to end the war.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Relations between Kyiv and Washington, according to the report, deteriorated after Trump announced a “diesel” deal with Putin on October 9, allowing exports of Russian fuel despite sanctions.
The White House chief has also repeatedly said that elections should be held in Ukraine and that Zelenskyy should step down because, in his words, he “does not know how to make deals.”
Zelenskyy believes that if the United States sides with Russia, it would be a “historic mistake,” and Ukraine would not withstand it.
