Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized US President Donald Trump’s recent diesel deal with Russia during an EU summit in Brussels, highlighting that Russia does not want peace and describing Moscow’s efforts as a “parody” of peace negotiations. Zelenskiy welcomed the involvement of European allies in discussions while expressing concerns about ongoing disruptions to the SpaceX Starshield satellite system, which is crucial for Ukraine’s military operations against Russian drones.
Despite Trump’s criticism of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, Zelenskiy received strong support from EU leaders. He emphasized the dire situation in Ukraine, where missile and drone attacks have been frequent, and raised worries about a potential decrease in US intelligence support. When asked if Trump was using him to deflect blame for rising energy prices, Zelenskiy humorously acknowledged the question.
Zelenskiy was taken aback by Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia regarding energy facilities, especially given Trump’s focus on the upcoming midterm elections, where rising energy prices could impact his campaign. Zelenskiy conveyed that this diesel deal would financially benefit Putin in the ongoing war. He stated, “This diesel deal will never be enough to offset the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on global markets,” and accused Putin of showing no genuine interest in peace talks.
Following drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, which killed civilians and caused power outages, the situation remained critical. EU leaders, sensing the urgency, discussed potentially providing a new loan to Ukraine to bridge its budget gaps for the next year. Zelenskiy estimated that the war would cost €155 billion and requested an additional €70 billion for defense and resilience, underscoring the need for immediate support from European nations.
The disruption of the Starshield satellite system was a significant concern for Ukraine, although US officials denied that it was purposefully slowed down. Zelenskiy pointed out that the military capabilities provided by Starlink were irreplaceable in the short term, solidifying the urgent need for continued support from Europe.
Despite disagreements over how to handle energy prices and budget discussions, EU leaders rallied around Zelenskiy’s requests. As Zelenskiy announced Ukraine’s end to the energy ceasefire, tensions rose, reflecting divisions among EU member states about how to approach the crisis.
With information from Reuters
