Zelenskyy Addresses US Relations, Starlink Issues, and Russian Aggression in FT Interview

President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine received a threat from the American military three days prior to his interview. This threat, delivered through military channels from senior American military personnel to their Ukrainian counterparts, warned of a potential cut in intelligence sharing and arms supplies if Ukraine continued to target Russian oil refineries.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had not received advance information about impending ballistic attacks from Russia despite previous discussions with partners regarding 'technological questions.' He expressed concern over the possibility of intelligence being blocked if Ukraine did not cease its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.

During a massive ballistic and drone attack on Ukraine, Starlink services were intentionally slowed down, not due to a technical problem, but by 'the will' of the American side, according to President Zelenskyy. This slowdown was observed across the capital and on the battlefield, severely impacting Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy highlighted the critical role of Starlink for delivering food and water to soldiers in 'grey zones' via drones. Slow connections render these drones inoperable, jeopardizing the lives of trapped soldiers. He attributed the decision to slow Starlink to SpaceX, rather than the US military or government.

He drew a connection between the Starlink decision and earlier threats about blocking intelligence if Ukraine did not stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure, suggesting that the slowdown was a consequence of Ukraine's actions.

President Zelenskyy recounted that he openly supported and honored a proposed 'energy ceasefire' from President Trump. For three days, Ukraine refrained from striking Russian refineries and diesel-related systems.

However, on the third day of this ceasefire, Russia launched direct attacks on Ukraine's primary energy infrastructure, particularly in the capital and other cities like Kharkiv. Zelenskyy stated that he did not receive any communication from the US President following these massive attacks.

Zelenskyy expressed his reluctance to engage in 'games' where Ukraine might be accused of breaking an energy ceasefire, even when acting in self-defense. He emphasized that the focus should be on results, not the reasons behind certain actions.

Following Russia's intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, President Zelenskyy questioned how much longer Ukraine could maintain its pause on striking Russian refineries. He conveyed to his military that he had received no messages from the President of the United States after these latest, massive attacks.

Russian strikes, including those on Lutsk and other cities, resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Zelenskyy emphasized that these attacks exclusively targeted civilians, with no military personnel among the deceased.

President Zelenskyy appeared deeply frustrated with the United States and the Trump administration, especially after the latest Russian attacks that resulted in purely civilian casualties in Lutsk and other cities. He reiterated that all those killed were civilians, with no military personnel involved.

He highlighted the lack of communication or support from the US President after these devastating strikes, raising concerns about the trustworthiness of the US as a mediator in the conflict.

President Zelenskyy asserted that 'unity' between the United States and Europe is the only way to stop Russia, which he described as a 'big aggressor,' quickly. He articulated Ukraine's goal as peace and believes this unity is crucial to achieving it.

Zelenskyy specifically requested that Starlink access not be curtailed for Ukraine and, ideally, be expanded on Russian territory. He argued that if Starlink were available in Russia, Ukraine could destroy Russian ballistic launchers, which he believes would force Putin to negotiate. He characterized the current limitation of Starlink as a 'very serious mistake' by the US.

He noted that Russia can only advance on the ground with 'big losses' for minimal territorial gains, suggesting that cutting off their ballistic capabilities would be a decisive blow.

President Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine remains a strategic partner of the United States, irrespective of personal dynamics between leaders. He likens this relationship to those between the UK and the US, or the UK and the EU, suggesting it's a fundamental alignment that cannot be altered without losing everything.

He acknowledged the multiple challenges faced by the US President, including crises in the Middle East and domestic elections, but suggested that certain individuals might be misguiding the President. Zelenskyy believes the majority of the US public still supports Ukraine, and a breakdown in unity with the US and Europe would prolong the conflict.

President Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of a unilateral declaration to stop striking Russian refineries, even if Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He warned that such a step would set a dangerous precedent, leading to further demands and compromises, potentially moving from diesel deals to gas deals.

Zelenskyy emphasized that profits from Russian energy sales directly fund their military production. He argued that any financial deals with Russia would not benefit Ukraine, but rather empower Russia's capability to produce 'millions of guns,' which he equates to a weapon. He concluded that increasing funding for Russia through such deals is unacceptable.

President Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need for Europe to be strong and united, especially if American support wanes. He stated that while existing European sanctions are painful for Russia, they are currently 'not enough' to stop its aggression.

He identified Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy resources, such as oil and nuclear energy, as a major hurdle to unified action. Zelenskyy warned that security risks from Russia extend beyond Ukraine's borders, affecting all of Europe, particularly in the sky without land forces, but with drones.

President Zelenskyy described the current conflict as a 'hybrid operation' or 'hybrid wars,' characterized by the extensive use of drones, particularly in the sky. He mentioned cooperation with several European nations, including Romania, Moldova, Germany, Poland, and Bulgaria, in addressing these aerial threats.

He likened Putin's strategy to learning to swim in cold water, with Russia testing limits step by step. This suggests a calculated, incremental approach by the aggressor rather than a single massive operation.

President Zelenskyy acknowledged that the rise of far-right parties across the EU and upcoming elections will bring 'a lot of challenges,' leading to potential changes in policy. Despite these concerns, he stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with all parties.

He addressed comments from Marine Le Pen, who stated she would cease financing Ukraine within six months if she won the French presidency. Zelenskyy responded by saying he would not vote for her, highlighting the fundamental disagreements such policies would create.

President Zelenskyy argued that military cooperation and co-production with Ukraine offer significant benefits for European defense industries, particularly France. He believes French industry 'only win can win' through collaboration on technologies and combat experience.

He emphasized that Ukraine's wartime experience provides invaluable insights into the performance of systems like the SAMP/T air defense and Scalp missiles. This experience allows European nations to optimize their defense spending, potentially saving 'billions for the tanks and etc.' by learning from real-world combat rather than relying on hypothetical scenarios or outdated assets.

Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine shares critical data on Iranian-made weapons and long-range drones, further enhancing Europe's security knowledge. He views this cooperation as a mutual benefit where Ukraine gains strength and in turn provides security and combat-proven experience to its partners.

President Zelenskyy characterized Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin as an affinity based on mutual admiration for leaders who have held power for decades. Zelenskyy stated that Trump 'speaks about it, I mean, openly and loudly that he loves such people, and he respects such people,' highlighting Trump's respect for long-standing authority.

He described Trump and Putin as being 'in one restaurant, not not the street food,' suggesting a shared elite status rooted in wealth and power. Zelenskyy also noted that business relationships between the United States and Russia, particularly energy projects, remain a significant factor in their interactions.

President Zelenskyy strongly questioned the moral and political implications of maintaining business deals with Russia while a war is ongoing in Europe. He asked, "How it can be when some people are surviving fighting dying you make some business with with the guys with such aggression?"

He indicated that such business relationships create significant political challenges and risks for leaders, especially when considering the suffering and loss of life in Ukraine. Zelenskyy believes these deals are not only morally fraught but also politically unsustainable in the long run.

President Zelenskyy dismissed concerns about personal rhetoric or comments regarding Ukrainian elections from the Trump administration, viewing them as mere distractions. He stated, "For me it doesn't matter. Matters that Putin feels no pressure. Matters when he feels no pressure he attacks."

Zelenskyy believes that any division between Europe and the United States, or between Ukraine and the United States, helps Putin unite his nation and feel successful. He emphasized that he has no intention of holding presidential power for decades, clarifying that such rhetoric is personal and irrelevant to the broader strategic challenges.

President Zelenskyy described the current conflict as a 'technological war,' where Ukraine has historically maintained a lead in technological agility. However, he expressed concern that recent actions by the United States, particularly decisions concerning Starlink and intelligence sharing, have created dangerous vulnerabilities for Ukraine.

He stated that the combination of intelligence and Starlink constraints is 'dangerous when it comes together.' Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need to stop Putin and prevent him from gaining 'new life or the new will to fight,' rather than inadvertently assisting him through policy shifts.

President Zelenskyy described his strategy for dealing with Donald Trump as one of maintaining good communication and transparent dialogue, despite disagreements. He views Trump's perceived closeness to Putin as a mistake, stating, "Putin is an enemy for us. And he's a real evil of today of today. ... How Trump can be friend with him? I I think that it's it's it's a mistake."

He firmly stated that Ukraine will not be coerced into 'diesel deals' or similar business arrangements that compromise its security. Zelenskyy expects reciprocal support, asking for Patriot missiles for defense, arguing that if Ukraine refrains from attacking per US request, it must be provided with the means to defend itself from subsequent attacks.

Zelenskyy emphasized that his approach is to 'speak more, to explain more, and to hold position' for Ukraine and its people, ensuring that their security and interests are not sacrificed in international political maneuvering.