In brief
U.S. President Donald Trump blasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he’s “more difficult to deal with” than Vladimir Putin and calling Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace.” Zelensky, who paused the attacks for three days at Trump’s request, has resumed them because Moscow has refused to honor a ceasefire. Meanwhile, deadly attacks continue as Russian drones strike Ukraine’s city of Kharkiv, killing several people. In Brussels, Zelensky meets EU leaders to rally support and tighten sanctions as Russia continues its war, while the U.S. faces backlash for a new deal to import Russian diesel.
Trump vs. Zelensky: US President Donald Trump slammed Ukraine’s leader, saying Zelensky is “more difficult to deal with” than Russian President Vladimir Putin and calling the fresh attacks on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace.”
Zelensky, currently in Brussels to rally European support, paused the strikes for three days after Trump requested a ceasefire on energy targets. He decided to resume the attacks because Moscow never honored the pause and continues to threaten Ukraine.
Even as the diplomatic talk heats up, deadly clashes persist. Russian drones struck Kharkiv last night, killing several civilians and injuring at least 14 people, according to local officials.
The EU leaders met with Zelensky alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, reinforcing sanctions on Russia and promising no easing of restrictions unless the war stops.
Behind the headlines, the U.S. recently announced a deal to import 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel into America—a move that upset Zelensky, who called it a gift to Putin. The tension illustrates the complex dance of politics, war and energy on the world stage.
