On October 11, former President Donald Trump asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could have ended the war initiated by Russia multiple times but has failed to do so. Trump accused Zelensky of continuing to strike Russian oil refineries. Elon Musk shared a video of Trump’s remarks, stating that Zelensky has gone too far.
In response to inquiries about their accusations, Zelensky suggested that their criticism stems from a lack of ability to find a way to stop Russia’s illegitimate President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that halting Putin is far more complex than exerting pressure on others, noting that it is easier to discuss fuel prices in relation to Ukraine than to acknowledge their actual causes.
Zelensky pointed out that the global rise in fuel prices is primarily due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a point Trump disputes.
Context
- On October 9, Trump had a phone call with Putin, during which he announced an agreement for the supply of Russian diesel to the U.S. and world markets. Zelensky criticized this move as an “investment in war”, labeling the easing of sanctions without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement as an “obvious weakness”.
- According to Financial Times sources on October 10, following Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russian diesel, officials from his administration intensified pressure on Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian refineries, threatening to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine if they refused. Reports indicate that during this Miami meeting, the Ukrainian negotiating team became aware of Trump’s decision and the easing of sanctions, resulting in a reduction of the planned two-day talks to just one day.
- Earlier reports indicated that during a meeting with Trump at the White House in late July, Zelensky requested permission to use Starlink for long-range drone strikes against Russia. Trump did not provide a clear answer at that time, with Musk reportedly opposing the provision of permission to Ukraine.
