Zelensky says Trump's choice of Russia's side is painful and that he feels betrayed
Zelensky told Piers Morgan on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, that Trump's stance is painful and that he feels betrayed, though he called the matter more complicated than his own emotions. The remarks came during his visit to London.
Zelensky's interview with Piers Morgan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to British presenter Piers Morgan for the programme Piers Morgan Uncensored, published on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. In it he said it is painful when the American president chooses a side that is not Ukraine's. Asked whether he felt betrayed by Trump, Zelensky paused for several seconds before answering yes, adding that the issue was more complicated than his own feelings. He also said that Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian armed aggression, was losing a strong partner in the United States. He said he had no problem with Trump standing in the middle between Ukraine and Russia, but that anyone in the middle must stay there. The line about the president choosing one side is the centre of the exchange.
The diesel deal and Trump's remarks
Trump announced on Friday, 9 October an agreement with Vladimir Putin on supplies of Russian diesel to the American and world markets, a fuel that Western sanctions weigh on because of Russia's war in Ukraine. Greek outlets describe the arrangement as lifting sanctions on Russian diesel exports. As Russian attacks intensified, Trump also said Putin was more willing to reach a deal than Zelensky. On the weekend of 10 and 11 October, according to Greek reports, Trump called for a new president to take over in Ukraine. Several Greek outlets report that this call came after Trump had agreed to lift the sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Oil prices and Ukraine's position
Trump is also pressing Zelensky over high oil prices, which he blames on Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries rather than on the US-Israeli war with Iran. The Czech report says that war has restricted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route. Zelensky responded that he could understand a neutral stance from the United States, but that neutrality demands consistency. He said Ukraine is not for sale, and that for his country the matter is not a business question but its very life and homeland.
Visit to London
Zelensky was in London on Wednesday, 14 October, on an official visit to the United Kingdom, according to the Greek reports. He met Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street, and King Charles received him at Buckingham Palace. Standing beside Burnham, Zelensky said it was regrettable that Ukraine had faced difficulties with Starlink services and with the exchange of information. He also said he had been surprised by developments in his country's cooperation with the United States. The interview was published on the same day as the visit.
