Trump-Zelensky Relations Deteriorate as US Lifts Russian Oil Sanctions

Relations between the Trump administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have deteriorated sharply, as President Donald Trump lifted a series of oil sanctions against Russia while Ukraine attacked Russian energy infrastructure, defying his request to spare such targets. International media report that Trump, facing midterm elections, is seeking economic support from Russia to lower gasoline prices, with Le Monde calling it "Trump's betrayal" and The Independent stating Ukraine has been betrayed. Zelensky called the sanctions removal a mistake that only helps Russians, while Trump labeled Kyiv's strikes on Russian oil refineries "disgraceful." The deterioration follows reports of Starlink satellite service speed reductions to 160 km/h, which Zelensky called a planned operation, unlike a similar 2022 incident involving Elon Musk's individual decision, suggesting broader shifts in US policy toward Ukraine.