Trump Calls Zelensky Difficult to Negotiate With

In an interview with Newsmax, Trump said he was not a fan of Zelensky and accused the Ukrainian president of failing to pursue a settlement effectively.

Trump also described Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as a “disgrace,” arguing that the attacks could push global oil prices higher.

Zelensky has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks, according to the supplied report.

Dispute Over Energy Ceasefire

Zelensky said Ukraine had paused attacks on Russian energy targets for three days at Trump’s request but would resume them because, according to Kyiv, Russia had continued its attacks.

Moscow said it had never agreed to the energy ceasefire announced by Trump.

Von der Leyen said the European Union had supported the proposed pause but argued that Russia had not respected it. She called for increased sanctions against Moscow.

Costa also urged European countries to maintain support for Ukraine and said it was not the time to ease pressure on Russia.

US-Russia Diesel Deal Deepens Tensions

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have also been strained by a reported US agreement to import 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel.

Zelensky previously criticized the arrangement, describing it as a benefit to Putin and arguing that it could prolong the war.

According to the supplied report, Trump is seeking to reduce fuel prices in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections. Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have become another point of disagreement between the two governments.

Starlink Restrictions Raise Security Concerns

Tensions have also grown over restrictions affecting Ukraine’s use of the US-owned Starlink satellite communications network, which plays an important role in Ukrainian military communications.

The report says the restrictions coincided with deadly Russian attacks, while Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about receiving timely warnings of incoming strikes.

The Trump administration has also reportedly warned that intelligence-sharing support could be withheld if Ukraine continues targeting Russian oil refineries.

EU Leaders Promise Support Through Winter

At the Brussels summit, European leaders discussed financial assistance, defence support and preparations for Ukraine’s fifth winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Von der Leyen said Russia was attempting to destroy Ukraine’s energy and water infrastructure and pledged continued European support.

Zelensky said Ukraine wanted the war to end as soon as possible but argued that Russia had not demonstrated the same commitment. He stressed that Ukraine needed a winter support package covering energy, defence and funding.

Attacks Continue in Ukraine and Russia

The supplied report described further attacks on both countries.

Ukrainian regional officials reported deaths following a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv and said around 270,000 households in the western Volyn region were without electricity after attacks.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces intercepted 644 Ukrainian drones across 26 Russian regions. Moscow’s mayor reported that 94 drones had been intercepted as they approached the capital, causing temporary airspace closures and flight delays.

Russian regional officials also reported drone incidents affecting industrial and warehouse facilities in Rostov, where one person was reportedly injured.

The figures and accounts were attributed to the officials cited in the supplied report.

What Happens Next?

EU leaders are expected to continue discussions on Ukraine’s financial and military needs, including preparations for winter and protection of critical infrastructure.

Relations between Trump and Zelensky remain strained over attacks on Russian energy facilities, the reported diesel agreement and military communications support.

Whether diplomatic efforts can produce a broader ceasefire will depend on the positions taken by Moscow and Kyiv and the level of continued support from the United States and European countries.

Key Points

  • Trump says Zelensky is more difficult to negotiate with than Putin.
  • Trump criticizes Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries.
  • Zelensky says Ukraine resumed the strikes because Russia did not respect the proposed energy ceasefire.
  • EU leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine and call for continued pressure on Russia.
  • The Brussels summit focuses on funding, defence and preparations for winter.
  • Attacks and reported drone interceptions continue in both Ukraine and Russia.

Source: Statements attributed to Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa and regional officials.