Zelensky Seeks Enhanced European Support in Brussels After Trump Criticism

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking enhanced support from his European allies during a European Union summit in Brussels on Friday, following his announcement that Kyiv has resumed strikes against Russian oil refineries, contrary to a truce announced by Donald Trump.

For his part, Rutte highlighted the importance of implementing the “energy truce” proposed by Trump on Sunday, which the Kremlin has not confirmed.

Zelenskyy did not mention this at all in his remarks regarding his meeting with Rutte.

Ukraine announced on Thursday the resumption of its strikes against Russian oil refineries after a pause, following the US president’s unilateral announcement of a partial truce.

In response, Trump described Ukraine’s resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries as “shameful,” arguing that Kyiv is contributing to rising global energy prices.

Trump said, “I find dealing with Zelenskyy more difficult than dealing with Putin.”

Moscow, which has not stopped its attacks on Ukraine, confirmed on Thursday that a fire broke out at one of its oil refineries following a “large-scale” attack by Ukrainian drones and missiles.

The US president has publicly criticized, on several occasions, Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy facilities, arguing that they exacerbate the global fuel shortage and contribute to higher prices.

Kyiv says it is seeking to cut off the flow of Russian revenues from fossil fuels that fund the war. In recent years, it has targeted numerous refineries and fuel depots, causing fuel shortages even within Russia.

During his meetings with European leaders, which began on Thursday afternoon, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to continue pressuring Moscow.

He wrote on social media on the eve of a working session with EU leaders: “We all in Europe want this war to end. To achieve that, we need strong signals, meaning more real pressure on Russia and more defensive support for Ukraine.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a message online from Brussels, saying, “I can assure you, dear Ukrainian friends and President Zelenskyy: You are not alone.”

Among other things, Kyiv expressed regret at not receiving warnings from its allies about imminent Russian attacks in recent days.

It noted that it was facing restrictions on using “Starshield” satellite services designated for military use in frontline operations and defense, which hampered a significant part of its air defense activities and drone operations.

For his part, Elon Musk, who, like Donald Trump, has called for Zelenskyy’s resignation, stated on Wednesday that any slowdown in “Starshield” was due to the US government, not SpaceX.

According to a source in the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, “Starshield” operations “were restored and are ongoing” as of Thursday. Kyiv is currently seeking “to clarify all the reasons and circumstances that led to the imposition of restrictions on Wednesday.”

According to Zelenskyy, the US side claimed that the lack of advance warning during the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday was due to a technical issue. However, the president told the Financial Times that what happened “was not a technical problem, but a deliberate act.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen diplomatically stated, “I think the Western alliance is today in a weaker position than it was a few days ago.”