US-Ukraine alliance at new low over Trump's Russia policy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 00:31 · Archive

President Trump has rejected new sanctions on Russia and disrupted US satellite support for Ukrainian drones, straining ties with President Zelenskyy.

The US-Ukraine alliance is careening towards a possible breaking point, with Moscow strengthened by President Trump's rejection of new Russia sanctions and Kyiv undermined by disruptions in satellite support for its drones during the war. Trump has been insulting Zelenskyy for over a week whilst turning to policies that benefit Putin. Ukraine's president has said he feels betrayed and worries for his country's future.

John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said: 'At this moment in time, things look blacker than they ever had regarding this administration's policy towards Russia and Ukraine.' Trump's relationship with Zelenskyy has always been volatile, whilst the American president has frequently boasted of his rapport with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

However, Trump may yet shift his position, especially as he faces bipartisan outrage from lawmakers. He previously thrashed Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last year, warning him to 'make a deal or we are out' and briefly suspending intelligence sharing. But by July, Trump was praising Zelenskyy and said they 'actually developed a good relationship.' Herbst described Trump as 'a mercurial guy'.

How it is being reported

• US ties with Ukraine hit new low as Trump slights Zelenskyy and eases up on RussiaThe relationship between the United States and Ukraine is careening toward a possible breaking point.News4Jax · 20 Oct, 00:05
• US ties with Ukraine hit new low as Trump slights Zelenskyy and eases up on RussiaThe relationship between the United States and Ukraine is careening toward a possible breaking point.Clickorlando · 20 Oct, 00:05

In this story: Donald Trump · Volodymyr Zelenskyy · Vladimir Putin · United States · Ukraine · Russia · John Herbst · Atlantic Council

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