In Brussels, Zelensky rallies EU support as Trump calls Ukraine leader difficult to deal with compared to Putin
Trump renews criticism
In an interview with US outlet Newsmax, Trump said Zelensky was “more difficult to deal with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin”. His remarks point to a worsening relationship between the United States and Ukraine.
Trump also said Zelensky was pushing up global oil prices and that there were many possible targets to hit. Zelensky had called the deal behind the pause in attacks a gift to Putin.
Energy pause comes to an end
Zelensky had paused attacks on energy targets for three days at Trump’s request for a ceasefire. On Thursday, he said Ukraine would resume strikes because Moscow had not stopped its own attacks.
Von der Leyen told reporters that the EU had backed Trump’s energy ceasefire but Russia had not respected it. She said Russia had escalated and sanctions should increase; the EU would not lift sanctions unless Russia stopped the war.
Zelensky meets EU leaders
Zelensky travelled to Brussels for a summit with EU leaders. He arrived alongside European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Key points
- Trump said Zelensky was more difficult to deal with than Putin.
- Zelensky said Ukraine would resume strikes after a three-day pause.
- Von der Leyen said Russia had not respected the energy ceasefire.
- The EU would not lift sanctions unless Russia stopped the war.