Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine could lose its war against Russia if the United States sides with Moscow. His warning came as President Donald Trump accused him of resisting peace efforts.
The two leaders exchanged criticism on Sunday, October 18, amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
Trump defended his decision to delay new sanctions on Russia. He said he wanted to keep Moscow involved in peace talks.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed a summit with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The proposed meeting could take place next month. However, the three countries have not confirmed any agreement to hold it.
Zelensky Warns Against US Support for Russia
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Zelensky said Ukraine still depends heavily on American military and intelligence support.
He warned that a US decision to back Russia would have serious consequences for his country.
“If the United States will support Putin, I mean, it’s unbelievable. It’s a historic mistake and big tragedy,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine would struggle to defend itself if Washington formally joined Moscow’s side.
Despite the tensions, Zelensky said he still considered the United States a strategic partner.
He also expressed hope that Trump would reconsider his recent decisions.
The Ukrainian president confirmed that Washington had restored intelligence sharing after a temporary suspension.
American intelligence helps Ukraine detect incoming Russian ballistic missiles and prepare its air defenses.
Zelensky also raised concerns about disruptions to Starlink satellite services. Ukrainian forces rely on the network for battlefield communications and drone operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that the White House had ordered restrictions on internet speeds.
Rubio said the service had returned to normal, although he did not explain what caused the disruption.
Trump Defends Russia Sanctions Decision as Putin Proposes Summit
Trump accused Zelensky of prolonging the war and criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to avoid actions that could push Russia away from negotiations.
His administration recently delayed new sanctions against Moscow. Trump argued that the decision served US national interests.
The move followed a US-Russia diesel agreement that has raised concerns in Ukraine and among some American lawmakers.
Zelensky criticized the easing of pressure on Russia. He argued that it would help Moscow continue its military campaign.
Rubio defended Trump’s approach and said the administration wanted to assess the economic effects of additional sanctions.
At the same time, Putin reportedly suggested a three-way summit involving Russia, the United States and China.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Putin raised the proposal during a phone conversation with Trump on October 9.
The newspaper reported that the Russian leader wants to discuss ending the war under terms favorable to Moscow.
The proposed talks would not include Zelensky, raising concerns about Ukraine’s role in decisions affecting its future.
Rubio confirmed that officials had discussed a possible meeting. However, he stressed that no final arrangements were in place.
He also urged Russia and Ukraine to focus on ending the conflict.
The latest developments come as both countries continue military operations.
Ukraine launched a major drone attack against Russian targets on Sunday. Russia also continued strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
The diplomatic dispute leaves Kyiv facing uncertainty over future US support while Washington pursues closer talks with Moscow.
