Zelenskyy Says US Delaying Missile Interceptor Supply, Trump Urges Ukraine to Appoint New Negotiator

Zelenskyy Accuses Washington of Delaying Patriot Missiles as Trump Urges Ukraine to Find New Negotiator

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the United States of holding up the delivery of missile interceptors intended for Ukraine, while US President Donald Trump has suggested that Kyiv appoint a different negotiator to pursue an end to the war with Russia.

Speaking to US senators on Monday, Zelenskyy said missiles purchased by European countries were ready for delivery but remained stuck pending approval from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“The missiles are ready, and they could already be in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, expressing frustration over the delay. He added that several European nations were willing to supply Patriot interceptors from their own stockpiles but were waiting for Washington’s authorisation.

TRUMP SUGGESTS UKRAINE NEEDS A NEW NEGOTIATOR

Trump renewed his criticism of Zelenskyy, questioning whether the Ukrainian president should continue handling negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

“Maybe it’s time for Zelenskyy to get somebody else to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

Trump also criticised Zelenskyy’s understanding of the situation while defending a diesel supply arrangement involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described Russia as having been “fine” and said it had not been doing much.

The latest remarks reflect continuing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over military assistance, intelligence sharing and the US administration’s approach to negotiations with Moscow.

RUSSIAN STRIKES LEAVE MORE THAN 500,000 WITHOUT POWER

Zelenskyy also expressed concern over the lack of advance warnings from Ukraine’s international partners ahead of recent Russian missile strikes.

According to the Ukrainian president, the attacks targeted energy facilities and critical infrastructure, leaving more than 500,000 people without electricity.

“Once again, there was no early warning from our partners,” he said.

Ukrainian authorities reported that six people, including three children, were killed in a strike near Kharkiv. Emergency teams were working to repair the damage and restore electricity supplies.

The latest attacks have intensified concerns about Ukraine’s ability to protect its energy infrastructure and civilian population as Russian strikes continue.

US DENIES SUSPENDING INTELLIGENCE COOPERATION

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had withdrawn intelligence-sharing support from Ukraine. Trump also said the United States continued to share intelligence with Kyiv.

The assurances come as Ukraine seeks additional air-defence equipment to counter Russian missile attacks, while uncertainty persists over the future scope of American military assistance.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga warned that a potential meeting involving Trump, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping could encourage Russia to prolong the conflict.

Sybiga cautioned that such a meeting could reinforce Putin’s determination to continue the war rather than contribute to a peaceful resolution.

The developments underline the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Ukraine pressing for greater military support and Washington calling for movement towards negotiations with Moscow.