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Volodymyr Zelensky has branded Donald Trump’s diesel agreement with Russia a “victory” for Vladimir Putin, warning that it has left the Russian leader “laughing” and placed the US on the wrong side of history.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the Ukrainian president acknowledged feeling “betrayed” following the US president’s decision to relax sanctions on Russian diesel.
Cautioning Mr Trump directly, Mr Zelensky said: “This is not the right side of history.”
His remarks coincided with a visit to Downing Street on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by the Prime Minister.
Troops from the Irish Guards formed an unprecedented honour guard to mark the Ukrainian president’s arrival at No 10, coming amid what Andy Burnham described as “dark and difficult days” for his nation.
Asked by Morgan whether he felt “betrayed” by recent events, including Mr Trump’s diesel deal and claims of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Mr Zelensky replied: “Really, yes, between us.”
He added: “Our country has to survive, and we count on our real partners, strategic partners, the United States and President Trump.”
Mr Zelensky noted that while an energy ceasefire “is OK” and represents “some step to peace”, it was not respected by Russia, which maintained its aerial bombardment of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“It is a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” Mr Zelensky said.
He added: “Now Putin is laughing because, I mean, this is for him, simple victory – this diesel deal.”
Recent days have also seen Mr Trump suggest Ukraine requires a new leader, alongside claims that Mr Putin desires a peace deal more than the government in Kyiv.
Concerns have also been raised regarding US intelligence sharing and the use of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system, which Mr Zelensky said had been “blocked”.
Starlink is relied upon by Ukraine to defend against aerial attacks and for long-range drones targeting Russian sites.
Mr Zelensky said the tech giant’s decision is “not right”, calling the move a mistake which will cost lives.
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