Trump Accuses Zelensky of Opposing Peace as He Defends Russia Sanctions Pause

President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting to end the war with Russia, defending his decision to hold off on sanctions against Moscow to preserve peace talks. Trump made the remarks in a Truth Social post amid rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Trump cited three reasons for his Russia approach: avoiding pushing Moscow from negotiations, limiting Russia's help to Iran, and blaming Zelensky's strikes on Russian diesel refineries for harming world fuel markets. Zelensky countered that U.S. steps, including delayed Patriot missile deliveries and slowed Starlink speeds, look aimed at pushing Ukraine toward capitulation, though he stopped short of asserting that as U.S. intent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied Washington ordered restrictions on commercial Starlink, noting Ukraine's request for military Starshield satellite access for deep strikes remains unapproved. The dispute follows Trump's deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions pressure, which drew criticism from within Trump's own party.