Trump says Zelensky 'more difficult to deal with than Putin' as EU leaders rally behind Ukraine

Why This Matters

• Relations between Washington and Kyiv appear to be deteriorating at a critical point in the war, with the US president publicly comparing Zelensky unfavourably with Putin.
• Ukraine's decision to resume strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could deepen the divide with the Trump administration, which has pushed for a halt to attacks on energy targets.
• The EU is signalling it will hold its line on sanctions, setting up a potential transatlantic rift over how to deal with Russia.

Background

Trump has sought a negotiated end to the war and has pushed for a ceasefire on energy targets, a proposal Ukraine initially supported by pausing its own strikes for three days. Russia, however, did not observe the pause, and Ukrainian officials say attacks on their cities have continued. EU leaders have repeatedly backed Ukraine and vowed to keep economic pressure on Moscow until the war ends.

Key Perspectives

Zelensky and the EU: Ukraine paused its strikes to support Trump's ceasefire proposal but resumed because Russia "did not respect it, not a single minute". Von der Leyen says sanctions will not be lifted until Russia stops the war.

Trump: The US president says Zelensky is more difficult to deal with than Putin and describes Ukraine's refinery strikes as a "disgrace", reflecting frustration with Kyiv's refusal to hold fire.

Critics and skeptics: There are concerns that public US criticism of Ukraine could embolden Russia and complicate any future peace talks, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue regardless of ceasefire proposals.

What to Watch

• Whether the Brussels summit produces new sanctions packages against Russia.
• Whether Ukraine's resumed strikes on oil refineries draw further US pressure or trigger Russian retaliation.
• The toll from overnight drone attacks on Kharkiv and other cities in the coming days.