US-Ukraine ties fray as Trump and Zelensky trade accusations

The relationship between the United States and Ukraine has deteriorated sharply, marked by mutual distrust between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky over intelligence sharing, sanctions, and peace efforts. Kyiv launched a major drone attack on a Russian oil terminal over the weekend, defying Trump's demand to stop such strikes. Trump called the attacks a "disgrace" and claimed Zelensky is harder to deal with than Vladimir Putin, while Zelensky criticized Trump's waivers on Russian sanctions as strengthening Moscow's war effort. The White House seeks to lower US fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, while Kyiv fears further concessions to Russia in peace negotiations. Zelensky says he remains open to talks if security guarantees are provided, but reports of a possible US-China-Russia meeting without Ukraine have alarmed Kyiv. Ukraine also accuses Washington of restricting satellite intelligence and missile warnings, which the US denies.