Zelensky drums up European backing as Trump ties slump

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European Union leaders on Friday to continue providing Ukraine with nearly $80 billion in funding for the upcoming year, as tensions rose between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The financial support request came amid a deteriorating relationship between Zelensky and Trump, with the latter easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for delivering diesel fuel.

Trump has criticized Zelensky's decision to resume strikes on Russian refineries, calling it a "disgrace" and suggesting it would be easier to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky. In response to inquiries about whether he is being scapegoated for Trump's domestic challenges ahead of the US midterm elections, Zelensky maintained a composed demeanor and emphasized that he is solely advocating for the interests of Ukraine and its citizens.

The ongoing rift between Trump and Zelensky has raised concerns that the US leader may be aligning with Moscow, further exacerbated by recent disruptions to a crucial US-provided satellite system.