Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed deep frustration over Donald Trump‘s stance toward Ukraine, admitting he felt betrayed by the U.S. president following remarks about replacing Ukraine’s leadership and the agreement to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Speaking on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” the Ukrainian president described as painful the impression that Trump had abandoned the neutral position he could have maintained between Kyiv and Moscow. He also spoke about difficulties in cooperation with the United States, citing Starlink services and intelligence sharing specifically, while from London he emphasized that his country seeks an honest and strong relationship with its allies.
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Zelensky’s response on feeling betrayed by Trump
The Ukrainian president made no effort to hide his frustration over his American counterpart’s remarks, which had included calls for new leadership in Ukraine. In his interview, he stated plainly: “It is painful when President Trump chooses one side — not ours.” He clarified that he would not have objected if Trump had chosen to remain equidistant between the two countries, adding: “If you are in the middle, you must stay in the middle.”
When asked directly whether he felt betrayed — both over the calls for a change in Ukrainian leadership and the deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports — Zelensky responded: “I really did… but the issue is a little bit more complicated than my feelings or my emotions.” In doing so, he acknowledged his personal disappointment while noting that the consequences of these developments go far beyond the personal relationship between the two leaders.
“We are not selling our country”
Zelensky also addressed the importance of maintaining American support for Ukraine, stating: “It is a pity that we are losing a strong partner.” At the same time, he made clear that Kyiv views the war as a matter of national survival — not a subject for economic negotiation. “We are not selling our country… for us it is not a matter of business, it is our life itself and this is our country,” he stressed, describing how Ukraine’s leadership perceives the pressures and diplomatic discussions surrounding the war with Russia.
Difficulties with Starlink and intelligence sharing
During his visit to London, the Ukrainian president spoke about challenges that have emerged in critical areas of cooperation with the United States. Standing alongside British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, he cited problems related to Starlink and intelligence sharing, expressing surprise at how the relationship with Washington has evolved.
“It is sad that we faced some difficulties… regarding Starlink, regarding the sharing of information — I mean there were many different surprises that you cannot predict when there is real cooperation, and we rely on cooperation with the U.S.,” he said. He added: “We just want to be absolutely honest, absolutely clear, and to be strong partners.”
Britain steps in amid strained Kyiv–Washington relations
The statements came as Britain moves to reaffirm its support for Ukraine during a period of deteriorating relations between Kyiv and the U.S. administration. Andy Burnham told members of parliament that he would work to help repair ties between the two countries. His remarks followed a question from Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey regarding the U.S.–Russia diesel deal, which Davey described as “yet another shameful betrayal by Trump of the Ukrainian people and European security.” The exchange highlights the challenges facing Ukrainian diplomacy as it seeks to preserve American cooperation while simultaneously securing the backing of its European partners.
BREAKING: President Zelensky tells Piers Morgan he feels ‘betrayed’ over Trump announcing an energy ceasefire and diesel deal with Putin. ‘This is not the right side of history.’ Full exclusive interview dropping soon 👇 📺 https://t.co/1nTb79BH8D @piersmorgan | @ZelenskyyUa https://t.co/LIBcd679x9
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) October 14, 2026
