Trump and Zelenskyy: How US-Ukraine Relations Reached Breaking Point

US-Ukraine relations have deteriorated sharply, with mutual distrust between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deepening over the terms for ending the war. Trump's concessions to Moscow and criticism of Kyiv have fueled fears of a dangerous diplomatic confrontation. Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia this year, hitting a major oil terminal despite Trump's demand to stop strikes on Russian refineries. Trump called the attacks a "disgrace" and claimed Zelenskyy is a harder negotiator than Putin, while Zelenskyy responded that open partners are preferable to "murderers, even if they smile." Trump has defended easing sanctions on Russia, including exemptions for diesel exports, citing peace negotiations. Kyiv and European capitals worry about further concessions, while Ukraine also fears a possible trilateral US-China-Russia meeting without its participation. Zelenskyy insists Ukraine never wanted the war and welcomes all peace efforts.