Zelensky Says He Feels Betrayed, Accuses Trump of Taking Moscow's Side

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan that Kyiv is losing a strong partner in Washington. In his words, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a side that is not Ukraine's. The remarks followed Trump's announcements about an agreement with Russia, which affects relations between Washington and a country fighting Russia's invasion.

Reaction to the "diesel deal"

Asked for his first reaction to the so-called diesel deal between Russia and the United States, Zelensky said: "It's a pity that we're losing a strong partner." Asked whether he felt betrayed by Trump, he answered yes, but added that the matter is more complicated than his personal emotions.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is losing the United States through no fault of its own. He said Kyiv cannot be weak, or it will not survive. "We are not selling our country. It's not about business for us. It's our lives, our home, our children," he said.

Neutrality and Starlink

The Ukrainian leader said it was painful that Trump had taken a side. He said he has no objection to Washington remaining neutral, but argued that anyone in the middle should stay in the middle rather than lean toward the wrong side. Zelensky suggested Trump's advisers are mistaken and said he does not know who is pushing him in that direction.

He also called a mistake that will cost lives the decision by businessman Elon Musk to restrict the operation of the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine.

What came before

On October 10, Trump said he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russian diesel supplies. The next day, he said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a truce covering the energy sector. Zelensky said the announced truce was news to him. Trump has also recently said Ukraine needs to find a new president who can "make a deal."