EU Leaders Back Zelenskiy as Trump Criticises Ukrainian Strikes on Russia
European Union leaders rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a summit in Brussels on Friday, as US President Donald Trump criticised Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, calling them a “disgrace.” The meeting comes as Ukraine faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks and growing uncertainty over future US intelligence sharing and military support.
Zelenskiy urged European allies to prepare a comprehensive winter support package covering energy supplies, air defence and funding. Recent Russian attacks on Kharkiv killed three people, while strikes elsewhere left hundreds of thousands without electricity. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also warned that Europe currently lacks a ready-made alternative to the Starlink satellite communications system used by Ukraine’s military.
Ukraine is also facing major financial challenges, with officials estimating a budget shortfall of $32.6 billion for next year, excluding billions in direct military assistance. Estonia’s prime minister said a new EU loan would likely be necessary, while the Netherlands expressed concern about limited pledges of additional support. Austria, meanwhile, called for greater clarity on Ukraine’s financial needs before European governments make further commitments.
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