On October 25, Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of the Security Council, posted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has caused more damage to Donald Trump than Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela combined. His rationale includes Zelenskyy’s public support for Trump’s opponent Joe Biden, rejection of a U.S.-proposed solution to the Ukraine conflict, attempts to rally European leaders against Trump, and allegedly spitting in the face of the U.S. president—actions perceived as disregarding American demands.
Medvedev also claimed that Zelenskyy profited from American taxpayer funds during the Biden administration, citing Trump’s assertion that the Biden government provided approximately $35 billion in aid to Ukraine, with Zelenskyy continuing to receive remaining funds under Trump’s tenure. He further alleged that Ukraine has colluded with drug cartels in Mexico, exchanging training in drone warfare for drug-related profits.
A key point of contention lies in Trump’s demand that Ukraine cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, which he argues exacerbate global fuel shortages and drive up prices in the United States—particularly sensitive ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. However, Kyiv has refused to halt such operations. In turn, Zelenskyy accused Washington of temporarily restricting intelligence sharing and access to Starlink services.
Meanwhile, Trump and Putin have reached a temporary agreement suspending sanctions on Russian fuel exports, with Russia committed to delivering over 300,000 tons of diesel initially, followed by an additional 500,000 tons in November, with the first three tankers already en route.
Medvedev’s statements concentrate on existing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine: how military aid is allocated, whether strikes on Russian refineries should be halted, and whether intelligence and Starlink access are being restricted. These points represent verifiable friction. However, allegations of collusion with Mexican drug cartels and the claim of spitting at the U.S. president lack independent corroboration.
More significant is the fact that Trump, facing electoral pressure ahead of the midterms, is sensitive to fuel price movements and thus urges restraint from Ukraine. Zelenskyy, unwilling to compromise battlefield capabilities, underscores how U.S.-Ukraine relations are increasingly shaped by domestic American politics and energy market dynamics.
Russia’s high-profile criticism serves both as a strategic information campaign and an effort to deepen perceived rifts between Washington and Kyiv. Medvedev’s remarks should be understood as a politically charged interpretation of U.S.-Ukraine disagreements rather than an objective account of facts.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880071302861900/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.