# As Trump turns toward Russia, Zelensky drops his restraint

https://mins.news/en/item/108341

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-10-20 18:17 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/as-trump-turns-toward-russia-zelensky-drops-his-restraint/

> After two years of trying to win Trump over, Zelensky has shifted to a more confrontational tone, Ukrainian officials and experts say, amid Washington’s deals with Moscow and its obstruction of Ukraine’s self-defense. They argue Kyiv should criticize Trump’s actions while avoiding the appearance of backing either side in the US election campaign.

## Related coverage

- [Zelensky on Trump, Putin and Ukraine’s fight for survival](https://mins.news/en/video/111816) — CNN, 2026-10-22
- [Russia batters Ukraine as Trump-Zelenskyy standoff intensifies](https://mins.news/en/item/107788) — NBC News, 2026-10-20
- [Will the EU come to Ukraine’s aid against Russia?](https://mins.news/en/item/104598) — Al Jazeera, 2026-10-17