Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses the US of putting pressure on Ukraine by limiting Starlink and delaying Patriot missiles: “I believe measures have been taken to persuade Ukraine to capitulate”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the United States of pressuring Kyiv to accept ending the war on terms unfavorable to Ukraine. The statement was made on Sunday in Kyiv, in an interview with Bloomberg, amid deteriorating relations between the two countries.

Zelensky claims that President Donald Trump’s administration has slowed Starlink connections used by the Ukrainian military on the front and is delaying the delivery of Patriot missiles, which are essential for defending cities and energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. He said these measures create the impression that Washington is trying to force Ukraine to capitulate, although he does not believe this is the stated objective of its American partners.

Another point of tension is the US request that Ukraine stop attacking Russian refineries. Washington claims that the strikes contribute to rising fuel prices, while Zelensky maintains that they reduce Moscow’s revenues and Russia’s ability to finance the war.

The Ukrainian leader proposed a swap: Kyiv would stop attacking refineries, while the US would provide more Patriot missiles. Zelensky fears that the pressure will increase ahead of the US congressional elections, but hopes for an improvement in relations after the vote.