Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Rein In Putin or Supply Interceptors; Rubio Denies Deliberate Harm

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, published Tuesday, that if President Trump cannot rein in Russian President Vladimir Putin, he should give Ukraine interceptor missiles to protect its energy infrastructure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said later Tuesday that Trump is frustrated by what he called false accusations that he is deliberately harming Ukraine, insisting nothing had been deliberately denied and that U.S. obligations to other partners and its own needs must be balanced. Zelenskyy was due to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway on Tuesday, with Jared Kushner expected to join remotely. Zelenskyy has accused the administration this week of delaying interceptor shipments and limiting Starlink satellite data used against Russian drones. Ukraine has nearly run out of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors. Some missiles would come from U.S. allies, but Washington must approve transfers of American-made weapons.

Right-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while left-leaning and alternative outlets had. Straight Arrow News, the alternative source, focuses on Ukraine awaiting Patriot missiles and on the widening rift, noting that allied transfers need U.S. approval. CBS News, on the left, leads with Zelenskyy's remarks and Rubio's rebuttal, adding detail on the Norway talks, delayed shipments and Starlink data. Both describe a deepening dispute over air defense supplies.