Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's "diesel deal" agreed upon with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed gratitude on October 18 (local time) for the resumption of military intelligence sharing, which the U.S. had previously suspended.

In an interview with U.S. broadcaster NBC that day, President Zelenskyy stated, "The sharing of military intelligence, including U.S. early missile warning data, was blocked for a certain period, but the U.S. side has lifted the block. I am very grateful for this," adding, "It is now being shared normally."

He said, "Only the United States possesses the unique information to alert us when Russia attacks with ballistic missiles," and noted, "We were unable to detect Russian ballistic missile attacks for three days."

President Zelenskyy had previously protested publicly and criticized President Trump after Trump agreed with President Putin to ease sanctions on Russia and allow the resumption of Russian diesel sales.

In response, President Trump hit back, saying of President Zelenskyy, "I don't like him much. He is more difficult to deal with than Putin," leading to a direct clash and a sharp cooling of bilateral relations.

Following this, suspicions arose that the U.S. had cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine and restricted Starshield, the satellite internet service provided to the Ukrainian military by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

President Zelenskyy claimed that restrictions on the Starshield service still exist, stating, "I believe the U.S. government issued the restriction order, and technically SpaceX implemented it."

When asked whether he still believes President Trump is an ally of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy replied, "I hope so."

He also emphasized, "Because we are strategic partners, I am very honest and clear with the U.S. president, and I strongly support the United States. This is the form of relationship I understand and respect."

At the same time, he said, "I cannot applaud any leader's decision or statement if it goes against Ukraine or directly supports Russia, especially Putin. Putin is a killer. I prefer to have an honest and clear partner rather than someone who smiles while being a killer."

President Zelenskyy further stated, "If the U.S. supports Putin, it would be unbelievable, a historic mistake, and a major tragedy. If the U.S. officially takes Russia's side and the two countries (the U.S. and Russia) become one team, we will not be able to win or hold out," adding, "That is why we hope the (Trump) president and his team will take our side or at least remain neutral."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)