Kyiv — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in talks with senior US envoys on October 18 in an effort to ease rising tensions amid ongoing conflict with Russia, while former US President Donald Trump accused Zelensky of not wanting the war to conclude.
Zelensky spoke with Steve Witkoff, a business associate of Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor, against the backdrop of intensified strikes targeting energy infrastructure on both sides. Moscow’s attacks have left thousands in Ukraine without power as winter approaches, while Ukrainian forces carried out their largest drone attack on Saint Petersburg since the war began in 2022.
Tensions between Zelensky and Trump have escalated after the US President reportedly blocked new sanctions against Russia and entered into a diesel supply agreement with Moscow, actions that raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe about potential US alignment.
A recent report indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a trilateral meeting on Ukraine with Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, excluding Zelensky, further heightening unease.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated he was actively negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and claimed to be making “great progress.” However, he accused Zelensky of disinterest in ending the war, suggesting that financial support from Europe influenced the Ukrainian leader’s stance.
Trump also criticized Ukraine’s targeting of Russian diesel refineries, asserting that these attacks disrupt global diesel markets, including in the United States.
Following his discussions with US envoys, Zelensky emphasized the critical role of American support in the conflict. “A lot depends on the US position in the war,” he said, affirming Ukraine’s willingness to engage “constructively” and “honestly” toward ending hostilities. He called for a similar approach from European and American partners alike.
Zelensky also highlighted conversations concerning the delivery of US Patriot air defense systems, which Kyiv seeks to bolster its defense against continued Russian missile attacks.
Earlier, Zelensky told a US broadcaster that it would be a “historic mistake” for Washington to lend formal support to Russia and expressed hope that Trump would reconsider his positions. He also expressed gratitude that the US had resumed intelligence-sharing after a pause that left Ukraine more exposed to Russian strikes.
The conflict showed no signs of abating as both sides continued to exchange attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky accused Russia of violating a “energy ceasefire” 76 times and warned that Moscow intends to deprive Ukraine of heat and electricity ahead of winter. The Kremlin dismissed Ukrainian attacks on Russian cities as unlikely to alter Moscow’s war objectives. Putin maintains a focus on seizing the eastern regions of Ukraine, with the conflict now entering its fifth year and no clear resolution in sight.
Residents in Saint Petersburg described the repeated drone strikes as a grim routine. One resident, Sergei, recounted feeling his apartment shake during a recent attack but expressed uncertainty about his reaction. Fuel shortages persisted in Russia following Ukrainian strikes earlier this year, underscoring the war’s ongoing impact on civilian populations.
The US-led diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have yet to yield significant progress, with frustration growing on all sides over the continuing stalemate.