Trump-Zelensky clash over Ukraine's major attack on Russia signals geopolitical escalation.
Context
What happened: Trump criticized Zelensky after Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Russia this year, hitting the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal despite Trump's demand that Ukraine stop striking Russian energy infrastructure.
Key numbers: Russia said it downed 1,015 Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday.
Why it matters: The strikes deepen a spat with Trump, who said Zelensky "doesn't want to end this war," while Kyiv fears losing essential support. Zelensky called the US sanctions waiver a boost to Putin, and a potential Trump-Putin-Xi meeting risks raising tensions further.
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Oct 19, 2026 02:47 PM ET