U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Russia is "behaving normally" regarding Ukraine and criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his stance on peace negotiations. Vice President J.D. Vance spoke out against Ukraine joining NATO and called for an end to strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed that the U.S. continues to provide intelligence to Ukraine, and that the issue of military aid remains a topic of discussion between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump Claims Russia Is "Behaving Normally" Toward Ukraine and Criticizes Zelenskyy
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Russia’s war against Ukraine, peace negotiations, and the position of the Ukrainian leadership. He stated, that Russia is "behaving normally regarding Ukraine," adding, "They aren't doing too much." Trump also remarked that "it is time for someone else to conduct negotiations on behalf of Ukraine," asserting that Volodymyr Zelenskyy could have secured a better deal long ago had he heeded his advice. Additionally, the American president responded to Zelenskyy’s comment that Washington had ended up on "the wrong side of history," declaring, "Zelenskyy doesn't know what he's talking about."
Addressing criticism regarding a potential easing of sanctions against Russia, Trump said, "I support an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine." He emphasized his desire to put an end to the loss of life, stating that, by his estimate, the two sides are losing between 25,000 and 35,000 troops each month. At the same time, the U.S. President accused Zelenskyy of allegedly failing to contribute to ending the war. Trump also noted that he was unaware of the reasons behind the slowdown of Starlink services in Ukraine and expressed a desire to find out what had happened. Addressing a question regarding the exchange of intelligence, he stated that the U.S. has provided significant assistance to Ukraine, whereas Ukraine, according to him, has provided nothing in return to the United States.
Zelenskyy Discusses Interceptor Missiles, Ballistic Missile Warnings, and Starlink with Rubio
On October 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two discussed the supply of interceptor missiles, early warning systems for Russian ballistic missile attacks, and the status of Starlink and Starshield operations. According to Zelenskyy, the conversation covered issues critical to protecting Ukrainians from Russian strikes. The President thanked the U.S. Secretary of State for his willingness to help and for his clear stance on the topics discussed.
"I spoke with Marco Rubio, and it was a substantive discussion—covering issues that truly matter. I am grateful for his willingness to help and for his clear position. First, there is the issue of interceptors against ballistic missiles, which are necessary to save lives. Second, there is the matter of early warning systems for Russian ballistic missile attacks, which is of vital importance." "Third is the situation regarding Starlink/Starshield, which needs to be restored," Zelenskyy wrote.
He noted that the conversation took place as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the "horrible war and the constant killing of people." The parties also agreed to speak again soon to exchange the latest information.
Rubio stated that the U.S. is not intentionally denying Ukraine interceptor missiles
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, that American aid to Ukraine and the exchange of intelligence continue unchanged. He noted that during his conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he confirmed that the PURL program remains active. Under this program, European countries purchase American weaponry for subsequent transfer to Ukraine. Rubio also denied reports suggesting that the U.S. President had ordered a change in the level of intelligence support provided to Ukraine.
Separately, the Secretary of State addressed Ukraine's need for interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. He acknowledged Kyiv's desire to acquire this ammunition but explained that the U.S. must meet its own defense requirements and maintain the necessary level of protection for military assets across various regions of the world.
"Every country in the world would like to have interceptors, and many regions are asking for them. It is arguably the most sought-after defense product right now. When a country doesn't receive interceptors from the U.S., it’s not because we are refusing; it’s because we have our own needs to address," Rubio said.
He added that the U.S. military must maintain minimum air defense standards at its bases in Europe and the Middle East. "So, it is not the case that Ukraine is being deliberately denied," the Secretary of State emphasized.
Vance stated that Ukraine should not join NATO and must cease strikes on Russian targets
US Vice President J.D. Vance stated that Ukraine should not join NATO, noting that there is no formal alliance agreement between Kyiv and Washington. He made these remarks in an interview with 2Way Tonight. At the same time, Vance described Ukraine as an admirable country and spoke positively about its people. According to him, the United States is prepared to cooperate with Ukraine on specific issues, though the interests of the two nations do not always align.
As an example of such discrepancies, Vance cited Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, stating that they could lead to higher energy costs for Americans.
"For example, do I think they should be striking Russian diesel infrastructure, which drives up energy costs for Americans? No," he said.
The Vice President emphasized that the US continues to work with Ukraine across a range of areas, but does not support strikes on Russian territory. "But I think they should stop bombing the Russians," Vance declared.
Bessent stated that the US does not support Russia, but did not answer whether Ukraine is considered an ally
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Washington is not on Russia's side, rejecting accusations that the Donald Trump administration supports Moscow in the war against Ukraine. In an interview with NBC News he noted that the United States continues to provide intelligence to Ukraine and allows NATO countries to purchase American weaponry for the Ukrainian army. Bessent dismissed claims that Washington’s position had shifted as incorrect, and denied that the Trump administration had ordered restrictions on the Starlink satellite network in Ukraine. He also criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his accusations against the American authorities, stating that the Ukrainian president should be careful with such assertions.
Bessent explained that, in the view of the Trump administration, ending the war would entail a negotiated settlement.
"President Zelenskyy presented a false framing again this morning—that Ukraine must win, that the war must end. In reality, ending the war will involve some form of negotiated agreement. President Trump is working on this every single day. He has been working on this since the very beginning of his presidency," the Secretary stated.
The journalist asked several times whether the United States considers Ukraine an ally, but Bessent did not provide a direct answer. Instead, he noted that the U.S. supports Ukraine in three ways, including through the provision of intelligence and the supply of weaponry via European partners. "We provide support to Ukraine in three different ways—that is how you treat an ally. We are not on Russia's side," Bessent said, adding in response to a follow-up question: "I am not the Secretary of State, nor am I the President."
Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Author: Danylo Pievchev