US-Ukraine Relations Worsen Amid Trump's Dealings with Russia, Zelenskyy Criticisms

US President Donald Trump's decision to greenlight a diesel fuel deal with Russia on October 9[25] and suspend sanctions against Russia on October 16[1] has intensified a growing rift with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the United States of deliberate intelligence withholding and delayed missile deliveries, contributing to a "denial of reality" narrative from Kyiv[3][37][4].

These actions, combined with Trump's call on October 19 for "somebody else to negotiate" for Ukraine, are creating significant concern among European nations who fear a weakening of NATO and a betrayal of Ukraine[4][6]. The ongoing strain impacts Ukraine's ability to defend itself and shapes the global perception of US commitment to its allies.

What the records show

On October 9, US President Donald Trump proceeded with a diesel fuel deal with Russia[25][26]. This decision followed Ukraine's alleged disregard for US requests to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries[25]. Days later, on October 16, Trump signed an executive order that suspended sanctions against Russia, citing "national interests" as the reason[1]. This move drew criticism from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy[1]. Despite US warnings, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil terminals continued[11][15][16][17][29].

Disruptions to Starlink and Starshield services were reported in Ukraine, with President Zelenskyy implying deliberate US action[9][10]. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, attributed these disruptions to technical issues and denied any official order from the White House to suspend intelligence sharing or restrict services[38][39][41]. Rubio also clarified that Ukraine does not have access to Starshield[9].

Timeline

October 9, 2026: US President Donald Trump proceeds with a diesel fuel deal with Russia[25][26].

October 14, 2026: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the US had threatened to halt intelligence-sharing if Ukraine continued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries[12][13].

October 16, 2026: Trump signs an executive order suspending sanctions against Russia[1]. Zelenskyy criticizes the move[1].

October 17, 2026: Ukraine reports receiving no advance warning for a Russian missile attack that occurred on this date[3].

October 19, 2026: Trump intensifies his criticism of Zelenskyy, suggesting it is "time for somebody else to negotiate" for Ukraine[4][6]. Zelenskyy, in turn, accuses Washington of "denial of reality" and implies deliberate intelligence withholding and delayed missile deliveries[3][37][4]. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes a trilateral meeting with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the Ukraine war, a proposal Trump is reportedly open to[30][31][32].

What changed and for whom

The US administration's posture towards Russia and Ukraine has shifted considerably. The diesel deal and sanctions suspension mark a significant departure from previous US policy supporting Ukraine against Russia[1][25]. For Ukraine, the perceived withdrawal of US support, including threats to intelligence sharing and alleged delays in missile deliveries, has left it feeling exposed to Russian aggression[3][12][37]. European allies have expressed deep concern, viewing Trump's actions as potentially destabilizing for NATO and a betrayal of Ukraine[2][35].

What they said publicly

US President Donald Trump suggested on October 19 that it was "time for somebody else to negotiate" for Ukraine[4][6]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv received no advance warning for the October 17 Russian missile attack[3]. He also accused the US of "denial of reality" and implied that intelligence was deliberately withheld and missile deliveries delayed[3][37][4]. Regarding Starlink and Starshield disruptions, Zelenskyy implied deliberate US action[9][10]. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any official order to restrict Starlink operations or suspend intelligence sharing, attributing service disruptions to technical issues[38][39][41]. He further clarified that Ukraine does not have access to Starshield[9]. European nations have voiced concern that Trump's actions could undermine NATO and betray Ukraine[2][35].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the exact details or nature of the US requests for Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries[25]. The specific technical issues causing Starlink and Starshield service disruptions in Ukraine were not detailed in the available records[38][39][41]. The exact date or location of the upcoming peace negotiations involving Steve Witkoff and Zelenskyy in Norway are not specified[20][21].