Trump escalates clash with Zelenskyy as Russia continues deadly attacks on Ukraine

Geoff Bennett:

The war of words between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy escalated again today, with Mr. Trump sharply criticizing the Ukrainian leader and directing more pressure at him than at Russia's Vladimir Putin, who launched the war. Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. negotiators this week.

But the latest tensions come as Washington has restricted Ukraine's access to critical technology it relies on in its fight against Russia.

Nick Schifrin starts our coverage.

Nick Schifrin:

In Kyiv's shattered windows and downtown debris, the impact of what Ukraine says is blocked U.S. support. Today, Russian drones and missiles hit the capital without warning, leaving walls slashed by shrapnel, blowing out residences, a shopping mall, and a school, part of Russia's attempt to make Kyiv unlivable.

MAKSYM MAKSYMOVYCH, Kyiv, Ukraine, Resident (through translator):

It's one thing to observe this happening elsewhere in other places or other cities, but now it's getting closer and closer. That's a bit chilling.

Nick Schifrin:

The chill is between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who today suggested the U.S. stop the intelligence that has for years fed into Ukraine's air alert system.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President:

Only the United States has this unique intelligence to say, to tell us, to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles.

Nick Schifrin:

What Zelenskyy did not say, the U.S. warning system is not perfect and can miss certain Russian missile launches, especially in bad weather.

But Ukraine is having to physically slow down and is losing connection to its drone interceptors and mid- and long-range drones because of speed caps by the American SpaceX system. That threatens Ukraine's ability to bring the war to Russia and defend itself.

On Sunday on "Meet the Press," Zelenskyy said the intel sharing was on and off.

Kristen Welker, Moderator, "Meet the Press": Is that accurate? Has the United States cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine?

Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

It was blocked for some period of time. And then it was de-blocked by American side. We are very thankful for this. Now it works.

Nick Schifrin:

Today, in Uzbekistan, Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the U.S. had ever restricted intelligence.

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State: I don't know where he's getting these things from or why he's saying these things to the press. You should go back and ask him. There's been no pause. The United States -- but, again, what he should be focused on and what we want to be focused on is bringing an end to this war.

President Donald Trump:

We've given a lot to Ukraine. They've given us nothing.

Nick Schifrin:

This afternoon, President Trump accused Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war.

Donald Trump:

Zelenskyy is not helping matters much. I think he doesn't want to stop it. I think it's time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.

Nick Schifrin:

And President Trump said he might meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss arms control, but said this about the possibility of the three discussing Ukraine:

Donald Trump:

I would do it, not so much for Ukraine. I -- because Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine.

Nick Schifrin:

That is not how Ukraine sees it, a war launched by Russia with enormous casualties, including a baby in Kharkiv today, some progress at enormous human cost, and now its most important supporter limiting its support.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Nick Schifrin.