Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the US will continue to lift sanctions against Russia. According to him, the agreement regarding the supply of Russian diesel to the American and global markets is the first step. This is reported by «Babel», as conveyed by the PromPolitInform portal.
The outlet has compiled the main points from the President’s conversation with journalists.
Zelenskyy commented on Trump’s decision to suspend the sanctions law against Russia. He believes that this approach will not stop Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president hopes that US President Donald Trump will continue to help end the war.
The President is prepared to meet with American representatives—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—together with the Ukrainian negotiating team. The American side was unable to attend the summit in Brussels yesterday. According to Zelenskyy, the meeting might take place next week.
Ukraine’s European partners do not support Trump’s arrangements with Russia regarding the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel. Furthermore, they do not support the unfreezing of Russian assets in Europe.
Starlink service for the military in Ukraine continues to operate with restrictions. It shuts down at speeds above 161 km/h, whereas in the EU, it remains functional at speeds exceeding 180 km/h. The Ministry of Defence is attempting to contact SpaceX directly, but so far, there has been no response.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s relations with Poland have improved. He believes the two countries should continue to strengthen their ties and address any issues with greater composure. The President also mentioned a “very good meeting” held yesterday with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The President warned that Russia is preparing to increase the number of strikes on western Ukraine. Putin may deploy ballistic missiles within Belarus, which would pose a direct threat to the western regions.
Background
Tensions between Ukraine and the United States escalated after Donald Trump stated on October 9 that he had reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of Russian diesel to the American and global markets. Zelenskyy described these arrangements as a “weak decision by strong partners.”
In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan, the Ukrainian President expressed a sense of betrayal, noting the loss of a partner as powerful as the United States. He suggested that Trump’s advisors are mistaken and that someone is steering him in the wrong direction.
Media reports indicate that Trump is also angered by Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and may halt the sharing of intelligence. Furthermore, the U.S. President has suggested that Ukraine should hold elections—implying a change in leadership. Zelenskyy responded that he is open to elections, provided that Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. He asserted that the elections are a decision for the people of Ukraine.
On October 17, Trump suspended the application of the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s legislation regarding “sanctions from hell” against Russia. The law authorized the imposition of tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy resources.
