Zelenskyy Warns of Strategic Fallout Over Sanctions and Diesel Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the United States formally siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin would constitute a “historic mistake,” while maintaining that he still views President Donald Trump as an ally despite mounting friction. Speaking to NBC News on Sunday, Zelenskyy addressed a turbulent period in bilateral relations driven by Washington’s recent policy shifts and trade maneuvers. “We want to trust him,” Zelenskyy said on NBC News, referring to Trump. “I hope that he will change his decisions, because I think that it’s all mistakes, and it will not help us, and it will not help United States.”
The warning follows an executive order signed by President Trump on Friday waiving sweeping bipartisan sanctions against Russia. The legislation, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was enacted last month to impose 100% tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and gas, aiming to constrict Moscow’s energy revenues during its ongoing war in Ukraine. The White House justified the suspension by declaring it in the national interest, coming days after an agreement with Putin to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel fuel onto global markets as energy prices surge.
Zelenskyy argued that the diesel deal will strengthen Putin’s resolve to occupy Ukraine, while asserting it will have little real influence on domestic U.S. oil prices. He contended that rising fuel costs stem primarily from the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz rather than the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also expressed regret over the waiver of sanctions tied to Sen. Graham, whom he described as a dedicated champion of peace and Ukrainian sovereignty.
Operational Pressures and Intelligence Disruptions
Beyond the diplomatic and economic friction, Zelenskyy detailed recent operational strains affecting Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He revealed that U.S. intelligence sharing was briefly blocked, leaving Ukrainian forces temporarily blinded to incoming ballistic missiles, while restrictions were placed on Starlink technology essential for intercepting jet-powered drones. Ukrainian officials attribute the Starlink speed limits, imposed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to directives originating from the American government.
European and Ukrainian officials previously told NBC News that the intelligence disruptions were likely intended to pressure Kyiv into negotiating concessions amid a prolonged frontline stalemate. While Zelenskyy confirmed that the intelligence sharing has since been restored and praised the resumption, he noted that restrictions on Starshield—the military version of Starlink—remain in place. He suggested that both Trump and Musk shared responsibility for the limitation and asserted that an executive directive from Washington could immediately restore full access.
Capitol Hill Defense and Diplomatic Outlook
In response to the administration’s policy defense, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., defended the sanctions waiver during a separate appearance on NBC News. Lankford argued that President Trump is attempting to balance maintaining pressure on Russia with alleviating financial burdens for American consumers, asserting that the executive branch is prioritizing the domestic public. Lankford rejected the premise that the administration is siding with Moscow, maintaining instead that Washington is working to bring both warring nations to the negotiating table.
With another difficult winter approaching, Ukraine faces severe munitions shortages and a heavily fortified Russian frontline occupying roughly a fifth of the country. Despite recent personal criticisms exchanged between Washington and Kyiv, Zelenskyy indicated that he was scheduled to speak with U.S. negotiators by phone and remains hopeful of securing an in-person meeting in the coming days to navigate the diplomatic impasse.