EU leaders reaffirm support as Ukrainian president Zelenskyy speaks at summit amid spat with Donald Trump

Tensions with Washington

Zelenskyy arrived seeking stronger European backing as relations with the United States worsened. Concerns have grown in Ukraine and the EU that Washington is becoming more sympathetic to Russia.

Trump said he found Zelenskyy more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also criticized Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling Zelenskyy’s decision “a disgrace.” At the summit, Zelenskyy said US-built missiles were being sent to the Middle East, adding that Ukraine was “not a priority.” The United States had been Ukraine’s largest military donor since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Starlink disruptions raise concern

Ukraine relies on Starlink, a satellite internet service, and Starshield, its military-grade version, for battlefield communications and other operations. Zelenskyy said he was deeply surprised by disruptions that had weakened Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

Elon Musk and the White House said they were not responsible for the slowdown. Zelenskyy reported that Starlink’s speed had improved but was not fully restored, and said Ukraine was working with countries including France on a partial solution.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe could not replace Starlink’s capability in the short term. Prokopenko said continued US access remained Ukraine’s most credible medium-term option, with the EU important in backing Kyiv’s requests to Washington.

Ukraine seeks more funding

Zelenskyy asked EU leaders for nearly $80 billion (€70 billion) next year, calling the amount realistic and saying it would help hold Russia back. The EU provided Kyiv an approximately $100 billion (€90 billion) loan last year, becoming Ukraine’s biggest international backer.

Prokopenko said the war was becoming more expensive as Russian strikes hurt Ukraine’s economy and reduce tax and customs revenues. She said the country’s needs would continue to grow.