by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States not to abandon Ukraine ahead of a new round of negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against his country. His appeal comes amid growing tensions with Washington over American military assistance, while Russian missile and drone attacks have reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians since Friday and left hundreds of thousands of households without electricity.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is due to travel to Norway this week for fresh negotiations aimed at ending the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The talks in Oslo are expected to include Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and representatives of Britain, France, Germany, Poland, the European Union and NATO.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is also due to participate remotely because of illness, according to people familiar with the arrangements.
Witkoff is reportedly planning to travel to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin, although the diplomatic schedule remains tentative and could change.
APPEAL TO WASHINGTON
Ahead of the negotiations, Zelenskyy urged the United States not to abandon Ukraine as it faces relentless Russian attacks.
“It’s all about our people. If it’s without United States support, it’s very difficult,” Zelenskyy said.
“But if the United States will support Putin, I mean it’s unbelievable, it’s a tragedy, it’s a historic mistake and a big tragedy,” he warned.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had to remain pragmatic about its relationship with Washington despite growing disagreements.
“If the United States will take, officially, the side of Russia, of course, if these two countries will be together, of course, of course, we will not prevail, and we will not be able to stand,” he said. “That’s why we hope that the president, his team, will be on our side, minimum in the middle.”
MILITARY ASSISTANCE TENSIONS
His warning comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over American military assistance and communications technology.
Ukraine accuses the Trump administration of restricting access to Starshield, a military-grade satellite communications system developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, limiting intelligence sharing and delaying deliveries of American air-defense weapons purchased by European allies.
Ukrainian officials say restrictions on satellite communications have undermined the country’s ability to intercept Russian attacks, contributing to civilian casualties.
American officials have denied allegations that Washington deliberately disrupted intelligence sharing and satellite services.
The dispute also involves Patriot air-defense missiles, which Ukraine urgently needs to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
SANCTIONS DISPUTE
According to people familiar with the matter, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has yet to authorize the latest package of American weapons purchased by NATO allies, although it remains unclear whether Patriot missiles are included.
Trump has also suspended new sanctions against Russia, citing American national interests, while criticizing Zelenskyy’s approach to peace negotiations.
The American president suggested Monday that Ukraine might need someone else to negotiate an end to the conflict, despite Zelenskyy’s repeated statements that he remains ready for peace talks.
These disagreements have raised concerns in Kyiv about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine as Russia intensifies its military campaign.
The renewed diplomatic efforts come after Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, killing civilians and leaving more than half a million households without electricity.
CIVILIANS SUFFER
In one of the latest large-scale assaults, Russia reportedly launched 16 ballistic missiles toward Kyiv and the surrounding region and more than 200 drones across Ukraine.
More than ten energy facilities were damaged, raising fears of another difficult winter for millions of Ukrainians already struggling with the consequences of the war, according to authorities.
The attacks affected areas stretching from Kharkiv and Dnipro in eastern Ukraine to Odesa in the south and Volyn and Rivne in the west.
Emergency workers have continued restoring electricity and assisting residents whose homes and neighborhoods were damaged.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, there is little indication that Moscow and Kyiv are close to agreeing on terms to end the conflict, which is approaching its fifth year.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
