Understand
Zelensky rallies EU support as Trump criticises Ukrainian leader
Overview
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that he is harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin and calling Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries a disgrace. Meanwhile, Zelensky is in Brussels meeting EU and NATO leaders to gather support, maintaining that strikes resumed because Russia failed to respect a temporary energy ceasefire.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelensky is more difficult to deal with than Vladimir Putin.
- Trump criticised Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as a disgrace that drives up world oil prices.
- Zelensky resumed attacks on energy targets after pausing them for three days, stating that Russia failed to respect the ceasefire.
- EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressed support for Zelensky and stated that sanctions on Russia will not be lifted.
- Zelensky has been holding back-to-back talks in Brussels with various European leaders and NATO officials.