Zelensky rallies EU support as Trump says Ukraine leader 'more difficult to deal with than Putin'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is receiving increased support from the European Union as US President Donald Trump criticizes him, stating that Zelensky is more challenging to negotiate with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. At a summit in Brussels, Zelensky discussed the resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries, despite a request for a ceasefire on energy targets by Trump.

The strikes resulted in at least 14 casualties in Kharkiv, with regional governor Oleg Synegubov reporting the death toll to Telegram. Zelensky has not responded to Trump's harsh comments but acknowledged that Russia did not respect the ceasefire, prompting the EU to increase sanctions on Russia until the war ends.

Trump's remarks, made in an interview with US outlet Newsmax, have exacerbated the already strained relationship between the US and Ukraine. Zelensky, who is flanked by EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, has continued to hold talks with European officials, including NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and the presidents of Poland, France, Denmark, and Belgium.

Zelensky also met UK Prime Minister Andrea Burnham in London. During the summit, Zelensky pledged to discuss the situation with the European Council, Commission, and prime ministers of Hungary, Finland, and Sweden.