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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive a Russian sanctions law, warning that the move provides direct support to Moscow’s ongoing war effort. In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press on October 18, 2026, Zelenskyy said the waiver of Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions legislation amounts to “really big support for Putin.”
Zelenskyy argued that lifting sanctions on Russia strengthens Putin’s ability to continue the war against Ukraine. “Waived Russian sanctions are strengthening Putin’s war against us,” he said. The Ukrainian president made clear his deep concern about the direction of U.S. policy toward Russia.
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Zelenskyy Warns Against Siding with Russia
During the interview, Zelenskyy also addressed broader fears about the United States shifting its position. He warned that Ukraine “will not prevail” if the U.S. takes Russia’s side. His comments reflect growing anxiety in Kyiv over American foreign policy decisions that Ukraine believes benefit Moscow.
Zelenskyy also responded directly to criticism from Trump. He said he “can’t applaud” decisions that hurt Ukraine. His tone was firm but measured, signaling frustration without fully breaking diplomatic ties.
In addition, Zelenskyy commented on the limited speed of Starshield satellite services. He suggested the slowdown is a “message from the American government.” However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back strongly against that claim. Bessent called Zelenskyy “reckless” for making the accusation publicly.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Defends Trump’s Russia Policy
Bessent also defended Trump’s overall approach to Russian sanctions. He insisted that “no one has been tougher on Russian sanctions” than Trump. His remarks came in a separate full interview and directly contradicted Zelenskyy’s characterization of U.S. policy.
Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford offered a more nuanced view. Lankford said Trump is siding with Ukraine, even if the two sides do not always agree. He also described Trump as walking a “fine balance” when it comes to a potential Russian oil deal.
Tensions Grow Over U.S. Policy Direction
The exchange highlights a deepening tension between Kyiv and Washington over how the United States is handling its relationship with Russia. Zelenskyy’s comments on Meet the Press signal that Ukraine views recent U.S. decisions as increasingly favorable to Moscow.
For Ukraine, the stakes remain high. Zelenskyy continues to press American officials to maintain firm pressure on Russia through sanctions and military support. As the war continues, the debate over U.S. policy toward both Kyiv and Moscow shows no sign of easing.
