From US 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, it has been a damaging week for ties between Kyiv and its most important ally, Washington.
US President Donald Trump, frustrated by high energy costs he blames partly on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, has repeatedly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A disruption of US-provided satellite internet services raised fears that Ukraine could be vulnerable as it prepares for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Zelensky responded to Trump’s barbs with an unusually sharp series of public criticisms of Trump, suggesting the US was now favouring Russia. He said Ukraine would defy Trump’s demand to stop striking Russian energy targets, citing Russia’s continued attacks.
Intensifying the discord, Trump waived key US Russia-related sanctions and tariffs on Friday, shortly before they were scheduled to take effect. That prompted Zelensky to say in social media posts that Trump’s action would encourage Russia to continue attacks on Ukraine.