Zelensky accuses Trump of cozy ties with Putin and blaming Ukraine for fuel woes
In a podcast interview, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski claimed Donald Trump maintains a special relationship with Vladimir Putin and unfairly blames Ukraine for rising U.S. diesel prices.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski sat down with British podcaster Steven Bartlett to discuss the early days of Russia’s invasion, his own rise from comedy to the presidency, and prospects for a fair settlement. He alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump enjoys a "special relationship" with Vladimir Putin, suggesting it might have prevented a broader war, but noted that Putin’s goal of occupying Ukraine persists regardless of who leads Washington.
Zelenski further charged Trump with blaming Ukraine for the United States’ diesel price surge and with refusing to provide air-defence missiles, despite Ukraine’s request. Trump, in recent statements, has blamed Zelenski for targeting Russian refineries, claiming this harms global markets and U.S. farmers. The interview also touched on Zelenski’s criticism of Trump’s rhetoric toward Russia and his view that the conflict’s resolution will require time and justice, not simple concessions.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights deepening tensions between Ukraine and a former U.S. president, influencing diplomatic and energy policy debates.
How this story developed
- Oct 11 Senators from Both Parties Condemn Trump's Plan to Import Russian Diesel
- Oct 20 Patriot missile shipment remains pending a Defense Secretary signature.
- Oct 20 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in India that the United States is not intentionally blocking arms shipments to Ukraine, though a missile delivery may have been delayed.
- Oct 20 Marco Rubio denounced Zelensky’s claim of U.S. aid cuts as scandalous during Oslo talks.
- Oct 20 Senator Marco Rubio told President Zelensky that U.S. policy on intelligence sharing, arms sales and restrictions has not changed.
- Oct 21 President Trump intensified criticism of Zelensky in a White House briefing, saying Ukraine was delaying a settlement.
- Oct 21 Jared Kushner joined the Oslo discussions via video link.
- Oct 21 President Vladimir Putin hosted US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg, where Russia released 74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard, who had been held on mercenary charges.
- Oct 21 Trump announced a U.S.-facilitated Russian diesel supply arrangement.
- Oct 21 The meeting highlighted a diesel trade agreement linked to President Trump and shifted attention away from substantive peace proposals.
- Oct 22 EU officials began diplomatic talks with the United Kingdom and Canada to close the €70 billion financing gap.
- Oct 22 Missile and drone attacks hit Kyiv, injuring civilians, after the Witkoff‑Putin meeting.
- Oct 22 Seven people were killed and dozens wounded in multiple Ukrainian cities after the meeting, marking the deadliest wave of attacks since the talks began.
- Oct 22 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Russia hit Kyiv overnight with three ballistic missiles carrying cluster munition warheads.
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