Zelensky Says He Feels Betrayed After US-Russia Diesel Deal, Warns Ukraine Is Losing a Strong Partner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted sharply to an agreement between the United States and Russia on diesel fuel supplies, saying Kyiv is currently losing one of its strongest partners. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, published on 14 October, he said he feels betrayed. The remarks reveal tension in relations with Washington while Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion.

The deal and the energy truce

Morgan asked Zelensky whether he felt betrayed by recent developments, namely the diesel agreement and an energy truce. The deal, reached by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerns Russian diesel supplies to the American and global markets. Zelensky answered in the affirmative, adding that the situation is more complicated than his personal feelings and does not depend on him. In his view, the country has to survive.

Asked whether Ukraine is "losing" the US, he replied: "Yes", but added that this is not Ukraine's doing. Zelensky stressed that the country must not be weak, or it will not survive. He said Ukraine is not selling its country, and that for Ukrainians this is not business but life, home and children.

Criticism of Trump

Zelensky said it hurts when Trump moves to the other side. At the same time, he noted that Ukraine does not object to Trump remaining a mediator, but argued that someone in the middle should stay in the middle. He believes Trump's advisers are making a mistake and said he does not know what is driving them in this direction.

Appeal to Musk

Zelensky also urged US technology billionaire Elon Musk to restore the Starlink system used on the battlefield. It helps Ukraine's armed forces strike Russian-occupied territory and steer air-defence drones. He acknowledged that switching it off was the other side's decision, but said he hopes it is a mistake or a huge technical problem, and asked for the system to be turned back on.