Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
Trump's remarks deepen strain between the US and Ukraine
On Oct.
19, US President Donald Trump said Russia had been “fine on Ukraine” despite its war against the country.
That same day, a Russian drone strike in a public park killed six people, including two children.
Trump said he was open to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, and described nuclear disarmament as the main purpose.
He suggested Ukraine might not take part in negotiations, saying it was time for someone else to negotiate on its behalf.
Trump has also waived sanctions on Russia and announced a plan to import Russian diesel, moves critics say could benefit Moscow.
Unclear restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield service have disrupted Ukrainian drone operations, but responsibility for the limits has not been established.
The US-Ukraine relationship is at a new low, though Trump could still change course as lawmakers from both parties criticize his approach.
Donald Trump said Russia had been “fine on Ukraine” and suggested Ukraine should find someone else to negotiate on its behalf.
His remarks came as Russia faced criticism for attacks in Ukraine and as Trump rejected new sanctions and backed a plan to import Russian diesel.
The comments have deepened tensions between Washington and Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying he feels betrayed, according to AP.
Trump said he was open to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but said its main focus would be nuclear disarmament.
Ukraine’s satellite support for military drones has also faced restrictions, though responsibility for the changes remains unclear.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, are also central to the dispute.
- What
- Trump praised Russia’s conduct in Ukraine and said Ukraine should consider having someone else negotiate for it. His policies toward Russia have also drawn criticism.
- When
- Oct. 19, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Trump said he was open to discussing nuclear disarmament with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Kyiv Independent said his shift toward Moscow appeared aimed at lowering domestic fuel prices.
Trump administration
Ukraine and its supporters
Negotiations
Trump administration
Trump said it was time for somebody else to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf and was open to a meeting with Putin and Xi.
Ukraine and its supporters
The reported meeting would exclude Zelenskyy, and critics say negotiations without Ukraine risk a peace deal favorable to Moscow.
Russia policy
Trump administration
Trump defended sanctions waivers and a plan to import Russian diesel, and described Russia as restrained in Ukraine.
Ukraine and its supporters
Critics from both parties said the diesel deal would help Russia without lowering global fuel prices; lawmakers and experts have also criticized Trump’s shift toward Moscow.
Trump announced a plan to purchase Russian diesel, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Russia attacked Kyiv with more than a dozen ballistic missiles and targeted nearly 30 critical energy facilities across Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent reported.
Trump told reporters that Russia had been “fine on Ukraine” and said Ukraine should consider finding someone else to negotiate on its behalf.
- Remarks date
- Oct. 19, 2026
- Russian drone strike
- Six people killed, including two children, according to the Kyiv Independent
- Missile attack
- More than a dozen ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv the night before Oct. 19
- Energy facilities
- Nearly 30 targeted across Ukraine the night before Oct. 19
- Diesel plan
- Announced Oct. 9
3 sources
What people are saying
I think it’s time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine
Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven't been doing much
I think it’s time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine
At this moment in time, things look blacker than they ever had regarding this administration’s policy towards Russia and Ukraine