Zelenskyy says Trump's decision to take Russia's side is 'painful'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says it is "painful" for Donald Trump to take another side in Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, after the US president said Mr Zelenskyy should be replaced.

Mr Trump's rhetoric towards Ukraine and Mr Zelenskyy has hardened in recent weeks, with the US president agreeing to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports.

Mr Trump also sought to impose an "energy ceasefire" on Ukraine and Russia over the weekend, a move that appeared to catch Mr Zelenskyy by surprise and one ignored by the Kremlin.

In an interview on the Piers Morgan Uncensored podcast published on Tuesday, local time, Mr Zelenskyy said it was a "pity we are losing a [strong] partner".

"It's painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side," he told Piers Morgan.

He said he was comfortable with Mr Trump being in the middle of Ukraine and Russia, but added: "If you are in the middle, you have to stay in the middle."

Asked if he felt betrayed by Mr Trump, Mr Zelenskyy said: "Really, yes … but it's a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings.

"We are not selling our country … it's not about business for us, it's just our life, and this is our country."

With his popularity sliding in the polls, Mr Trump has sought to frame Ukrainian drone attacks as being responsible for high diesel prices, rather than the ongoing war between the US and Iran.

He has argued lifting sanctions on Russian diesel would bring down fuel prices, but the move has been criticised by European leaders.

It comes ahead of crucial midterm elections in the US, where voters are increasingly expressing frustration over the cost of living and high inflation.

While Mr Trump is not on the ballot, his agenda could face greater opposition if the Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives and Senate.

ABC/Reuters