Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Zelensky seeks European backing as tensions with Trump rise
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky sought support from European leaders at a summit in Brussels as relations with US President Donald Trump worsened.
The dispute follows a US-Russia diesel deal that eased some sanctions on Russia, and restrictions on a satellite system Ukraine’s military relies on.
Zelensky had paused strikes on Russian oil refineries for three days at Trump’s request, but said Ukraine would resume them because Russia kept attacking energy targets.
Trump called the renewed strikes a “disgrace” and said Zelensky was harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
European leaders backed Ukraine and called for more pressure on Russia, while Moscow said Ukraine’s strikes were undermining US peace efforts.
The EU summit is focused on funding and support for Ukraine through winter, including help with energy and defence.
Zelensky said Ukraine wants the war to end quickly, but sees no sign Russia wants the same, so he says the country must prepare for winter.
European leaders rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as relations between Kyiv and US President Donald Trump deteriorated.
Trump criticized Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling them “a disgrace”.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had resumed the strikes because Russia had not respected a proposed pause in attacks on energy targets.
Ukraine’s anger has also been heightened by restrictions and disruptions affecting satellite communications used by its military.
European leaders voiced support for Ukraine and called for more pressure on Russia and more defence support for Kyiv.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Zelenskyy.
- What
- European leaders backed Ukraine amid worsening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and a proposed energy ceasefire.
- When
- October 15 and 16, 2026.
- Where
- Brussels, where Zelenskyy met European leaders and attended an EU summit.
- Why
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine resumed strikes because Russia had not respected the proposed pause. Trump condemned the strikes, while European leaders expressed support for Ukraine.
Ukraine
Russia
Energy ceasefire
Ukraine
Zelenskyy said Ukraine paused strikes at Trump’s request but would resume them because Russia had not stopped attacks on energy targets.
Russia
The Kremlin said Russia had not agreed to the energy ceasefire and accused Ukraine’s renewed strikes of undermining US peace efforts.
Trump eased sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel onto global markets.
Restrictions on the US-owned Starlink network were reported as several deadly Russian strikes hit Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, and Trump criticized the attacks.
Zelenskyy met European leaders in Brussels as they voiced support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy attended an EU summit focused on funding for Ukraine and helping it through winter.
- Summit location
- Brussels
- Proposed pause
- Three days
- Russian diesel deal
- 300,000 tonnes
- Attacks on Ukraine
- At least 19 people injured in a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv
- EU summit focus
- Funding for Ukraine and support through winter
6 sources
EU rallies around Zelensky as rift widens with Trump over Russia energy strikes
Zelensky rallies EU support as Trump says Ukraine leader 'more difficult to deal with than Putin'
In Europe, the Trump shock factor is wearing off
Zelensky rallies European allies as Trump ties slump
‘It doesn’t always need to be said out loud’: European leaders to ask Zelensky to tone down criticism of Trump, FT reports
What people are saying
more difficult to deal with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin
We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war.
All of us in Europe want this war to end. And for that to happen, strong signals are needed – more real pressure on Russia and more defence support for Ukraine
It is coming into serious conflict with the peace efforts of the United States and American negotiators, who are making vigorous efforts to initiate the peace process
Posts on X
I discussed with Prime Minister of Belgium @Bart_DeWever the consequences of round-the-clock Russian attacks on residential buildings, energy, and other critical infrastructure in Ukraine. This evening alone, the Russians struck energy facilities in two regions. Almost 15,000