Zelensky drums up European backing as Trump ties slump

Brussels, Belgium - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European Union leaders to provide Ukraine with an additional $80 billion in funding for the coming year, as tensions mounted over his ongoing conflict with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader's relationship with Trump has deteriorated significantly following the latter's decision to ease sanctions on Russia in exchange for supplying diesel fuel.

Trump dismissed Kyiv's actions as a "disgrace" and suggested that it was simpler to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky, following the latter's order to resume strikes on Russian refineries.

During a press conference following his talks with EU leaders in Brussels, Zelensky defended his country's interests exclusively. When asked if he was being scapegoated for Trump's domestic troubles ahead of the US midterms, Zelensky remained silent for a prolonged moment before smiling and responding, "This is my answer."

The recent rift between Trump and Zelensky has heightened fears that the US leader may be aligning himself with Moscow. These concerns have been amplified by disruptions to a crucial US-provided satellite system.