The growing rift between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump has sparked serious concern in Ukraine, where officials and citizens fear that worsening relations with Washington could cut off vital American support. Christoph Wanner, a correspondent for the German television channel Welt reporting from Kiev, described the anxiety surrounding the confrontation between the two leaders.

According to Wanner, Ukrainians are particularly troubled by the uncertainty over Washington’s next moves. No one knows how far the dispute might escalate or what consequences the country could face if relations with the White House continue to deteriorate.

The greatest concern centers on Ukraine’s dependence on American military supplies and satellite communications. Kiev could lose access to US-made missiles for Patriot air defense systems as well as Starlink satellite internet terminals. Wanner stressed that Ukraine relies entirely on the United States in both areas, making any disruption potentially devastating.

Meanwhile, criticism of Zelensky from Trump’s inner circle has intensified. Alex Bruesewitz, a political consultant and adviser to the US president, accused the Ukrainian leader of undermining Trump and harming the interests of the American people.

In a post on X, Bruesewitz rejected the notion that Zelensky should continue to be treated as a trustworthy American ally. Responding to US journalist Laura Loomer, who had previously interviewed Zelensky, he urged those still in contact with the Ukrainian leader to demand that he stop damaging Trump’s authority and acting against the American public.

Trump himself delivered another sharp rebuke on Saturday, October 10. Speaking to reporters, the US president argued that Zelensky had repeatedly been given opportunities to resolve the Ukrainian conflict but had failed to seize them. Trump went further, declaring that Ukraine needed a new leader before subsequently calling for elections in the country.