Zelensky Says He Feels Betrayed Over US-Russia Diesel Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on Wednesday that he feels betrayed over the diesel fuel agreement between the United States and Russia and the related energy truce. He said Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia's invasion, is losing a strong partner, and he called on US technology billionaire Elon Musk to restore the Starlink satellite communication system used on the battlefield.

Feeling of betrayal

Morgan asked whether Zelensky felt betrayed by recent developments, specifically the US-Russia diesel deal and the energy truce. The Ukrainian president said he did, adding that the situation is more complicated than his personal emotions. In his view, the country has to survive, and that does not depend on him.

The journalist also asked how Zelensky reacted to the arrangement reached by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on supplies of Russian diesel to the US and world markets. Zelensky said it is a pity to lose a strong partner, and when pressed on whether Ukraine is "losing" the US, he answered: "Yes." He added, however, that this is not because of Ukraine.

He stressed that Ukraine must not be weak, or it will not survive. "We are not selling our country," Zelensky said, adding that this is not a business for Ukrainians but their life, their country and their children. That is why it hurts, he said, when Trump moves to the other side.

Zelensky noted that Ukraine does not object to Trump remaining in a mediator role. But a mediator, he said, must stay in the middle rather than switch to the wrong side. He expressed the view that Trump's advisers are making a mistake and said he does not know what is driving them in this direction.

The Starlink question

Morgan also asked what message Zelensky had for Musk regarding Starlink. The system helps Ukraine's armed forces strike Russian-occupied territory and operate air defense drones. Zelensky said the system was switched off and that this was the other side's decision. He said he hopes it is a mistake or a huge technical problem, and that Ukraine is asking for the system to be turned back on.