EU Leaders Urge Zelensky to Temper Trump Criticism

European Union leaders are preparing to advise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to moderate his public criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, citing concerns that his recent remarks are damaging the relationship between Kyiv and Washington.

Zelensky has voiced strong disapproval of several of Trump's recent policy decisions, which he believes have put Ukraine in a precarious position. These include the U.S. lifting sanctions on Russian diesel exports and announcing an energy ceasefire to address fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Zelensky also condemned the withdrawal of American intelligence and the weakening of the Starlink satellite service as "dangerous" amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky accused Trump of an "instinctive admiration" for autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin, noting Trump's public statements about respecting long-serving leaders. These criticisms have reportedly caused concern among European leaders who are scheduled to meet with Zelensky.

Sources indicate that the message to Zelensky will be delivered with empathy but will emphasize that such sentiments do not always need to be expressed publicly. One official told the Financial Times, "It might be true, but it doesn't always need to be said out loud."

Despite these internal discussions, EU leaders have publicly reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa stated that now is not the time to reduce pressure on Russia or withdraw support for Kyiv. "Now it is time to increase our support, to increase our pressure," Costa said at an EU summit in Brussels, standing alongside Zelensky.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also reiterated Germany's commitment to aiding Ukraine, emphasizing that supporting Ukraine is essential for defending Europe's political order against Russian pressure.

Zelensky's recent actions have also reflected a shift in strategy. After initially pausing energy strikes on Russian refineries for three days to align with U.S. wishes, he resumed these attacks following what he described as a "betrayal" by Trump and continued Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure. A Ukrainian drone attack on a refinery in Russia's Ryazan region, which accounts for nearly 5 percent of Russia's oil refining capacity, occurred on Thursday, marking the first Ukrainian strike on an energy facility since Trump announced the "energy ceasefire."

In retaliation, Moscow launched a drone strike on a supermarket in Ukraine's Odesa region, injuring three people. Zelensky condemned this act as "bloody terror." Another Russian drone strike on Kharkiv on Friday killed three people and injured at least five.