Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels for a summit with EU leaders amid renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. Trump stated that Zelensky is "more difficult to deal with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin" during an interview with Newsmax on Thursday evening.
Context
Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, which Trump labeled a "disgrace." The Ukrainian leader had paused these attacks for three days at Trump's request for a ceasefire on energy targets but indicated that the strikes would continue due to Russia's lack of compliance.
Developments
- Oleg Synegubov, the regional governor of Kharkiv, reported that several people were killed in a Russian drone strike overnight, with at least 14 others injured.
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, supported Zelensky's decision to resume strikes, stating, "Of course we supported President Trump's energy ceasefire but we've seen that Russia did not respect it, not a single minute."
- Von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased sanctions against Russia, declaring, "We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war."
