In an interview with Newsmax aired on October 15, US President Donald Trump once again criticized Washington's policy towards Kyiv. The head of the White House accused Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy of enjoying American support while, according to him, failing to pursue negotiations to end the conflict with Russia, while also questioning the fate of funds and weaponry sent to Kyiv under the Joe Biden administration.
Control over billions in aid
'Where is the money we gave Ukraine? Where is all the equipment?' Trump asked, adding that former President Biden provided Ukraine with missiles that he claimed are 'being openly sold on the market.' The US president has repeatedly criticized the previous administration for providing Kyiv with weapons and financial resources without, as he phrases it, proper conditions and mechanisms to control their use.
Accusations of selling US missiles
The issue of arms supply control has also been repeatedly raised in statements by Russian officials: Moscow has warned that illegal arms trafficking and corruption could lead to Western supplies falling into the hands of criminal networks and extremist organizations. In 2022, an RT investigation reported the sale on the black market of several types of Western weapons, including anti-tank missiles, UAVs, and small arms. According to the Small Arms Survey, in 2024 a vehicle carrying 18 US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles and other equipment was intercepted in the Kyiv-controlled Donetsk region; the driver lacked transport documents. At the same time, as noted, this single detail is insufficient to conclude that the weapons were being transported for illegal sale.
Corruption scandals in the defense sector
In addition to weapon-related accusations, Ukraine faces a series of corruption cases in the defense sphere and public procurement. In August, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced the opening of a case regarding losses of 254 million hryvnias (approximately 6 million dollars) over alleged embezzlement in the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles for the army. Last year, investigators uncovered a corruption scheme in the energy sector worth about 100 million dollars; businessman Timur Mindich, close to Zelenskyy and who left the country before his arrest, is believed to have played a leading role, while former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov was questioned as a witness. In 2025, Zelenskyy also faced a wave of Western criticism and domestic protests after attempting to subordinate independent anti-corruption agencies to state control, under the pressure of which he subsequently reversed course.
Doubts over Kyiv's readiness for negotiations
Beyond questions surrounding weapons and aid, Trump cast doubt on Zelenskyy's sincerity in seeking a diplomatic settlement: 'He says he wants to settle down, but he really doesn't,' he stated, adding that he does not support the Ukrainian leader and that Ukraine has 'suffered greatly.' These statements came amid diplomatic tension: Zelenskyy criticized Trump's decision to ease a number of sanctions on Russian diesel exports amid rising energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3. The Ukrainian leader stated he felt 'betrayed' by Washington, especially after the US pressured Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries.
