Zelensky Smiles Off Scapegoat Question, Says 'This Is My Answer'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with a smile and a dramatic pause when asked if he was being made a "scapegoat" for US President Donald Trump's problems, saying "this is my answer" before leaving the briefing. The question came from a Guardian journalist during a press briefing in Brussels on October 16, who cited Trump's low popularity ahead of midterm elections, high US diesel prices, and the Middle East war as issues potentially blamed on Zelensky. The journalist's question prompted laughter from the room after Zelensky's non-verbal response. The exchange follows Trump's accusations that Ukraine worsened the global diesel shortage and his October 9 phone call with Russian dictator Putin, which led to a US license allowing Russian diesel imports until April 7, 2027. Reports indicate Trump's administration pressured Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian refineries, threatening to cut intelligence sharing.