Zelenskyy has placed three concrete decisions before Trump, each stopping short of requiring Ukraine to forgive Russia, surrender its energy infrastructure, or accept blame for a war Russia started.
The Missiles
Zelenskyy says he told Trump that if Washington cannot get Putin to end the war or reach an energy agreement, it should provide air-defense missiles to protect Ukraine’s energy sector. He wanted no gift. European countries would pay for them.
Help stop Russian attacks on the systems Ukrainians need to keep the lights and heat on is a narrow, practical request. Yet Trump speaks about Zelenskyy as though the Ukrainian president is the unreasonable party. Zelenskyy’s response is pointed. The severity Trump directs at him belongs in his conversations with Putin.
The Diesel Blame
Zelenskyy says Trump tells his supporters Ukraine causes higher diesel prices in America. He calls that an attempt to shift attention from the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East crisis.
The distinction matters. Trump can argue about the consequences of his Iran policy. What he cannot reasonably do is make the president of a country under Russian attack answer for American fuel prices while treating Russia's invasion as an inconvenience to be worked around. Zelenskyy says blaming him for Russia’s crimes distorts the entire context of the war.
The Sanctions
Congress voted for tough sanctions, Zelenskyy notes, and Trump has the authority to put them into effect. Zelenskyy says he has no idea why Trump has held back. He wants action rather than another speech about peace. This question concerns a power the US president already has.
Trump keeps calling for compromise. Zelenskyy says a ceasefire followed by negotiations would itself be an enormous compromise for Ukrainians living with what Russia has done. They need time and justice. Those responsible for their suffering must face consequences.
Going back to buying and selling Russian fuel as though the crimes can simply be forgiven is not diplomacy. Letting Putin keep the benefits of his attack is a choice.