Zelensky Defends Ukraine as Dispute With Trump Reaches a New Point

Trump attacks Ukraine’s refinery strikes

In an interview with US outlet Newsmax on Thursday evening, Trump said Zelensky did not want to settle. Trump also called Kyiv’s latest strikes on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace.” The Kremlin later backed Trump’s claim that Zelensky did not want a deal with Russia. Kyiv has made the same accusation about Moscow. Trump is frustrated that the strikes affect Russia’s ability to export diesel to America under a recent US-Russia deal aimed at lowering fuel prices.

Zelensky defends Ukraine’s interests

At the EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky said he was “only standing up for Ukraine’s interests.” He said he could not accept the diesel deal, warning that a gas agreement could follow. “If I don’t stand up to this... who else will?” he asked.

Zelensky arrived after visiting London, at the end of a difficult week. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accompanied him to the summit, where EU leaders rallied in support.

Ukraine seeks European support

Ukraine faces a continuing shortage of US-made Patriot missiles to protect its towns and cities. Some EU countries have reportedly refused to send additional supplies beyond what they need for their own defence and must retain under Nato obligations.

Energy attacks and strained ties

Russia and Ukraine continued attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. Trump had announced a ceasefire covering those facilities last week. Zelensky also spoke about Ukraine’s strained relationship with the United States. He said many Americans with “good hearts” wanted to be allies, rather than divide or humiliate Europe. Asked whether Trump was using him as a scapegoat for political problems, Zelensky paused while listening to the translation, then smiled as journalists laughed.