Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has escalated his public dispute with US President Donald Trump, asserting that "America cannot stop" Russia or "rein Putin in," while offering to meet Trump "halfway" on a deal.
The row began with Trump blaming Ukraine for rising diesel prices due to strikes on Russian oil, despite the US conflict with Iran causing chaos on the Strait of Hormuz. Zelenskyy responded by claiming America cannot stop Russia, but Trump can still help Ukraine. He also said he has never lied to the President of the United States.
Civilian Casualties and Escalation
His comments came a day after Trump claimed "Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine" and that Putin's forces "haven't been doing much." On October 20, Ukrainian officials confirmed at least seven people died after Russia launched another missile and drone blitz on civilian areas. Zelenskyy on October 19 posted a photo of a young child in a stroller killed in attacks.
Despite the ongoing row, Zelenskyy has offered to meet Trump "halfway" with an energy ceasefire, asking for interceptor missiles if Russia does not halt attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure.
Zelenskyy's Offer to Trump
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Zelenskyy said: "We have always had important, strong strategic relations with the United States of America. Our bilateral relationship began developing particularly actively during the full-scale war. I am grateful for all the support.
"But we have always built our relationship on honesty, fairness, and, most importantly, transparency. Because when you lie while your people are at war, it is very painful.
"That is why I have always wanted to hide nothing and never lie to the President of the United States. In any case, we have more in common than America does with Russia. Most people in Ukraine and the United States of America understand this. We would like to continue having the same open, honest, and pragmatic relations with America that we have today.
"The position is very simple. We support a mutual energy ceasefire. If we are talking about the idea that we should not strike back at Russian energy facilities after they strike our gas, electricity, oil – everything. The Russians are striking. America cannot stop them. Let's believe that America really wants to, but cannot.
"Then, as a partner, I am willing to meet President Trump halfway: if they strike us and we cannot strike back – that is neither honest nor fair – but if this is what you need, if you cannot rein Putin in, then give us interceptor missiles so I can protect our energy infrastructure. You couldn't stop Putin – but you helped Ukraine."
Diplomatic Meetings in Oslo
Zelenskyy is visiting Norway today to secure more American and European help. US envoy Steve Witkoff, who along with Jared Kushner has tried without success to steer Russia and Ukraine toward a settlement, was also expected in Oslo, the Norwegian government said. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, will attend the meeting by video conference.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb were due to meet with Zelenskyy in Norway's capital.
