London (AFP) – President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Ukraine counts on its partnership with the United States, despite feeling betrayed by President Donald Trump over an “energy ceasefire” and a Russian diesel deal. In London, where he received a highly symbolic show of support from the British government, Zelensky also called on US tech billionaire Elon Musk to restore the Starlink system used on the battlefield, which Kyiv claims has been slowed down.
After meeting King Charles III, Zelensky spoke with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Downing Street, stating that Ukraine had endured “massive attacks today” and lamenting some difficulties in its relationships, particularly with Washington. Ukraine has accused the US of aiding Russia by failing to warn it of incoming missile strikes and hampering its military response through changes to the Starlink system.
“We count on (our) partnership with the United States,” Zelensky told Burnham during remarks captured on camera before a closed-door bilateral meeting. “We just want to be very honest, very clear, be strong partners,” the Ukrainian leader added. During an interview with UK journalist Piers Morgan on his “Uncensored” YouTube channel, Zelensky expressed concern that Ukraine was losing support from the US.
“That’s why it’s painful when President Trump chooses one side … not our side,” he said. “I think his advisors are wrong; I don’t know who is pushing him not to the right side… this is not (the) right side of history,” Zelensky told Morgan. In recent days, Trump has announced a diesel-supply deal with heavily sanctioned Russia and surprised both sides in the almost five-year conflict by proposing an “energy ceasefire.” He has also criticized Zelensky over Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, suggesting that he should be replaced as president.
When asked whether he felt “betrayed” by Trump, Zelensky candidly replied, “Really, yes.” A senior official in Kyiv confirmed that the United States had recently threatened to stop providing intelligence about Russian missile launches, which Ukraine uses to thwart attacks. Trump denied making such threats on Tuesday. Defence officials also suggested that Washington was responsible for the slower speeds reported on some Starlink internet terminals, which help Ukraine’s military target Russian-occupied territory and operate interceptor drones.
When asked what his message to Musk about the Starlink system would be, Zelensky said, “Of course, people will die.” He deemed it a “big mistake,” adding that this decision would result in significant human losses. He continued, “I hope that it’s a mistake, maybe a huge technical problem. I don’t know, but we are asking to do it, to switch (it) on.”
Zelensky met the king at Buckingham Palace before receiving an unprecedented ceremonial honour guard in Downing Street, where he was embraced by Burnham. The UK leader assured Zelensky that he would accelerate the delivery of British lightweight multi-role missiles, which Ukraine has employed against Russian jet-powered drones. Burnham also mentioned that his ministers were working on further sanctions aimed at Russia.
“We are behind you, and that will not change,” said the UK premier. Earlier, Burnham expressed to Britain’s parliament that he would seek to “repair bridges” between Trump and Zelensky to restore support for Ukraine. “I should, at this moment in time, be careful in terms of laying the ground to bring people back together. That is the role I intend to play,” he added.
© 2024 AFP
