Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a summit in Brussels with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. US President Donald Trump criticized Zelensky, stating he is 'more difficult to deal with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.' Trump referred to Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian oil refineries as a 'disgrace.' Zelensky had paused these attacks for three days at Trump's request for a ceasefire on energy targets but announced their resumption, citing that Russia had not adhered to the ceasefire.
Tensions between the US and Ukraine have increased recently due to a US-Russia diesel deal and restrictions on Ukraine's satellite communications. Zelensky did not respond directly to Trump's comments but expressed gratitude to 'real leaders' for their support upon his arrival at the EU summit. Von der Leyen stated that sanctions on Russia 'have to increase,' emphasizing that Russia did not respect the ceasefire. Costa remarked that 'this is no time to withdraw support' for Ukraine.
The summit's agenda included discussions on funding for Ukraine and assistance for the upcoming winter, the fifth since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Zelensky indicated the need for a comprehensive winter package, which includes energy, defense, and funding.
Recent Russian drone strikes in Ukraine resulted in fatalities, particularly in Kharkiv, and left approximately 270,000 households without power in the Volyn region. Trump's comments, made during an interview with Newsmax, reflect a deteriorating relationship between the US and Ukraine, with Trump expressing his discontent with Zelensky's approach to negotiations.
Trump criticized Ukraine's targeting of Russian oil refineries, stating it raises global oil prices and complicates the US's recent diesel import deal with Russia. This deal has drawn ire from Zelensky, who described it as a 'gift to Putin.' Additionally, restrictions on the Starlink internet network, vital for Ukraine's military operations, have further strained relations.
Zelensky has been actively engaging with EU leaders during his visit, holding discussions with NATO chief Mark Rutte and leaders from Poland, France, Denmark, and Belgium. He also met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London prior to the summit. The summit in Brussels is focused on supporting Ukraine through the winter.
In related developments, Ukraine continued its strikes against Russia, with reports of intercepted drones over Moscow and attacks on industrial facilities in the Rostov region.