WASHINGTON/KYIV – From U.S. 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, last week was a damaging one for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington. President Donald Trump, frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A disruption of U.S.-provided satellite internet services raised fears that Ukraine could be vulnerable as it prepares for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s barbs with an unusually sharp series of public criticisms of Trump, suggesting the U.S. was now favoring Russia. He said Ukraine would defy Trump’s demand to stop striking Russian energy targets, citing Russia’s continued attacks.
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