Ukraine Gives Up on Trump

TL;DR

Ukraine shifts from courting Trump to building ties with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Germany after failed U.S. peace talks.
Zelensky criticized Trump's easing of Russian oil sanctions, saying Russia "played the president of the United States."
Kyiv now defies U.S. signals by striking Russian oil facilities, signaling the end of reliance on American support.

The story at a glance

Ukraine hoped to sway President Trump after his return to the White House but now views the U.S. as unreliable, turning to new partners for military and diplomatic help. Key figures include Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin; Ukraine has shared drone expertise with Gulf states and Germany while attacking Russian oil sites near St. Petersburg. This comes amid Trump's halted aid, pro-Russia negotiations, and recent easing—then expiration—of sanctions on Russian oil during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Key points

Trump halted most U.S. military aid to Kyiv and berated Zelensky in the Oval Office in February 2025, despite Ukraine's praise and mineral deals meant to benefit Americans.
Ukraine joined Trump's fruitless peace talks, which favored Putin, while leaders privately doubted but publicly stayed sweet toward the president.
Kyiv now shares drone-warfare know-how with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE and inks arms deals with Germany.
Ukraine launched drones at oil-export facilities near St. Petersburg, ignoring "signals" from partners against hitting Russian energy targets.[[1]](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/04/ukraine-trump-us-oil-russia/686854/)[[2]](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/04/ukraine-trump-us-oil-russia/686854)
Trump eased sanctions on Russian oil to curb price spikes from the Iran war; Zelensky called it a Russian ploy and posted the remark widely on X.
The sanctions waiver expired earlier this week, though Trump has floated but not imposed new harsh measures on Russia.

Details and context

For over a year, Ukraine calculated that flattery might win Trump over despite his Putin affinity and aid cuts, but fruitless talks and insults changed that. The drone strikes deep in Russia mark a bold defiance, tied to Zelensky's public break from U.S. reliance—language once unthinkable. This pivot builds on Ukraine's drone edge, now exported to fund its war.

Trump's sanction waiver aimed at energy stability amid U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, but it boosted Russia's war chest just as deficits bit. Europe faces pressure too, with Zelensky hinting it must move beyond the transatlantic bond. Past U.S. aid drops in 2025 hit 99%, per reports, underscoring the shift's roots.[[2]](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/04/ukraine-trump-us-oil-russia/686854)

Key quotes

Zelensky on Trump's sanction easing: “In my view, Russia played the Americans again—played the president of the United States.” (Italian radio interview, amplified on X)[[1]](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/04/ukraine-trump-us-oil-russia/686854/)
Zelensky on drone-strike signals: From unspecified “partners” to avoid Russian energy infrastructure.

Why it matters

Ukraine's abandonment of U.S. hopes weakens transatlantic unity at a time when Russia gains from high oil revenues and divided Western support. For global markets and allies, it means riskier energy supplies and pressure on Europe to step up alone. Watch Zelensky's European outreach and any new Trump sanctions, though his pro-Russia lean suggests caution on follow-through.