Alec Russell
Foreign editor at the Financial Times, where he leads and contributes to international coverage and conducts high-profile interviews, including with UN secretary-general António Guterres.
Zelenskyy Warns U.S.-Russia Energy Deals Could Strengthen Moscow
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Financial Times that Donald Trump’s friendliness towards Vladimir Putin was a mistake, arguing that Trump appeared to admire leaders who held power for decades and the very wealthy. Zelenskyy also warned that US-Russia energy deals could give Moscow money to sustain its war, and said Ukraine could not be expected to restrain its attacks without the means to defend itself.
Russia’s Port Strikes Leave Ukrainian Grain Trapped and Farms Near Insolvency
Russia’s attacks have closed Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, leaving grain piling up in barns and at risk of rotting before it can be shipped. Farmer Volodymyr Varbanets estimates his farm may last six months without a route to market, but not a year, as it struggles to cover taxes, fuel and spare parts. Strikes on power infrastructure add pressure as the region prepares for winter.