Tensions have escalated between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Trump accusing the Ukrainian leader of not wanting to end the war. In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of trying to pressure Kyiv into surrendering to Russia and criticized the White House for relaxing pressure on Moscow, including the waiving of certain sanctions.
Despite the week-long row, Zelenskyy stated that communication between Washington and Kyiv remains virtually nonstop. On Sunday, he spoke with Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to arrange a new peace meeting as early as this week. Zelenskyy noted that he is attempting to ensure that Russia does not walk away from peace negotiations.
These discussions occurred as Russia and Ukraine carried out drone strikes on each other's energy sites. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of breaking Trump's energy ceasefire 76 times and warned that Russia planned to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity before winter. In an effort to reach an agreement, the Ukrainian leader offered to stop targeting Russian refineries in exchange for Patriot missile deliveries.