Zelenskyy appeals for US support after fresh criticism from Trump

Zelenskyy sought renewed US support because Washington’s position could significantly affect Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia and negotiate an end to the war. He said “a lot depends” on the US approach and urged cooperation from American and European partners. He also hoped Trump would change decisions he viewed as harmful to Ukraine.

In talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy discussed deliveries of US Patriot air-defence systems. These systems are designed to intercept incoming missiles, making them important as Russia continues striking Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Zelenskyy also welcomed the resumption of US intelligence sharing after a pause.

The talks came during worsening tensions with Trump. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to work “constructively” and “honestly”. He wants continued military and intelligence assistance while pressing Washington not to support Russia formally. The immediate goal is stronger protection for civilians and a US position that helps bring the war to an end.

An “energy ceasefire” refers here to a reported pause or limit on attacks against energy infrastructure. The aim would be to protect power supplies, fuel production and heating systems even while fighting continues elsewhere. The article does not describe a formal agreement’s exact terms, but Zelenskyy used the phrase when discussing Russian strikes.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of breaking Trump’s “energy ceasefire” 76 times. He said Russian attacks were leaving tens of thousands without power and could deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity before winter. Trump, meanwhile, accused Ukraine of targeting diesel refineries in Russia and damaging global fuel markets.

These competing claims mean the alleged arrangement is not preventing attacks on energy sites. Each side presents its own strikes as justified or retaliatory. Without restraint, civilians face disrupted power and heating, while energy attacks can affect fuel supplies and markets far beyond the battlefield.

The latest attacks were large and affected both countries’ energy systems. Russia said Ukrainian strikes killed one person in St. Petersburg, while Ukrainian officials reported three deaths after Russian strikes in several Ukrainian regions. Zelenskyy said tens of thousands were left without power.

In the wider Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko said air defences shot down 144 Ukrainian drones. Russia described the assault as the largest attack on St. Petersburg since the war began in 2022. Fires were reported at the St. Petersburg oil terminal, the Ruchyi oil depot and industrial warehouses. A refinery and depot were also reported hit.

Five people were hospitalised in St. Petersburg. Russia’s VKontakte data centre and Ozon’s logistics centre also reported strikes. The figures show that attacks were not limited to military targets. They disrupted energy infrastructure, commercial facilities and civilian services, while Russian strikes damaged Ukrainian power supplies.

Energy facilities support basic life and transport. When power stations are hit, homes can lose electricity and heating. When refineries, depots or terminals are attacked, fuel production, storage and distribution can be interrupted. Fires and explosions can also kill or injure people and damage nearby businesses.

The article gives several examples. Russian strikes left tens of thousands of Ukrainians without power, and Zelenskyy warned that Moscow wanted to deprive people of heat and electricity before winter. Ukrainian drones reportedly set an oil refinery ablaze in St. Petersburg and struck an oil terminal and depot. Earlier Ukrainian strikes caused nationwide fuel shortages in Russia.

The effects can spread beyond the immediate attack zone. Trump said strikes on Russian diesel refineries were seriously hurting world diesel markets, including in the United States. Energy attacks therefore create civilian hardship, reduce industrial and military capacity, and increase pressure on governments and international markets.

American decisions matter because the United States can provide intelligence, air-defence equipment and economic pressure. Intelligence sharing can warn Ukraine about threats and help it prepare for missile attacks. Patriot systems can strengthen protection for cities and infrastructure. Sanctions can raise costs for Russia by restricting access to money, trade or technology.

The article says Ukraine became more vulnerable to Russian missile strikes when the US paused intelligence sharing. Zelenskyy also discussed deliveries of Patriot systems because Ukraine is struggling to counter Russian missiles. At the same time, Trump blocked new sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with Moscow.

These choices affect both the battlefield and diplomacy. Continued US assistance can help Ukraine protect civilians and maintain resistance. Reduced support, fewer sanctions or closer energy cooperation with Moscow could lessen pressure on Russia and increase fears that Washington is moving toward Russia’s position.

The war began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. By the article’s account, it has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two and has entered a fifth year. Russia still says it intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine, while diplomatic efforts have not produced a breakthrough.

The fighting now includes repeated attacks far from the front lines. Russia has rained drones and missiles on Ukrainian cities daily. Ukraine responds with strikes that it describes as fair retribution. Recent attacks targeted power supplies in Ukraine and refineries, depots and other facilities around St. Petersburg.

This pattern has created what one resident called the “dreadful routine of war”: one side attacks, then the other attacks. Civilians lose power, face fires and suffer deaths and injuries. The article gives no clear path out, while US-led efforts continue and both Russia and Ukraine maintain their war aims.

Economic sanctions are government restrictions on trade, finance, companies or other economic activity. Their purpose is to impose costs without direct military action. In a war, sanctions can limit an adversary’s income, supplies and access to important technology. They can also signal that other countries oppose its actions.

The article says Trump blocked new sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with Moscow. Those decisions could preserve some economic links and reduce the pressure that sanctions are meant to create. Trump also accused Ukraine of attacking Russian diesel refineries and harming global diesel markets, including in the United States.

The result is both practical and political. Less economic pressure may give Russia more room to sustain its war effort. Energy deals can also shift leverage toward the country selling fuel or away from its opponent. The article says these choices fuelled fears in Ukraine and Europe that Washington was steering towards Russia.