# Zelensky and Trump clash over Russia sanctions

> Zelensky urges US peace talks as Trump accuses him of pro-Russia stance.
- Title: Zelensky and Trump clash over Russia sanctions | Shortify
- Summary: Zelensky urges US peace talks as Trump accuses him of pro-Russia stance. Zelensky spoke with US envoys to push for peace while Trump claimed Ukraine would…
- Keywords: zelensky, trump, russia, ukraine, sanctions, diesel deal, patriot air defense, news, world, clash, The Straits Times
- Source: The Straits Times — https://straitstimes.com/world/trump-bashes-zelensky-defends-waiving-sanctions-on-russia
- Published: 2026-10-18T22:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zelensky, trump, russia, ukraine, sanctions, diesel deal, patriot air defense, news, world
## Zelensky meets US envoys
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Oct 18 to ease tensions and push for peace.
## Trump accuses Zelensky of pro-Russia stance
Trump claimed Zelensky doesn't care about ending the war and probably never wanted to end it, despite European money.
## Russia-Ukraine energy strikes
Russia and Ukraine hit each other's energy sites, leaving thousands without power in Ukraine and causing fires, deaths, and damage in Saint Petersburg.
## Zelensky urges US peace approach
Zelensky called for a 'constructive' US approach, asked for Patriot air defense systems, and warned that backing Russia would be a 'historic mistake'.
## Trump blocks Russia sanctions
Trump blocked new sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with Moscow, fueling fears in Kyiv and Europe.
## Saint Petersburg drone attack
Ukraine launched drones at Saint Petersburg, setting an oil refinery ablaze and killing one person, with smoke visible in the city center.
## Zelensky warns of historic mistake
Zelensky said supporting Russia would be a 'historic mistake' and hoped Trump would change his decisions on the war.
## Key takeaway

Zelensky spoke with US envoys to push for peace while Trump claimed Ukraine would not end the war with Russia.