Trump criticizes Zelensky over Ukraine's oil strikes

US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him 'more difficult to deal with than Putin' in a recent interview with Newsmax ^[1]. The remarks come as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries, a move Trump condemned as 'a disgrace' and claimed was driving up global oil prices.

Zelensky, currently in Brussels for a summit with EU leaders, had paused the strikes for three days at Trump’s request to support a temporary ceasefire on energy targets. However, he announced their resumption on Thursday, stating that Moscow had not halted its own attacks, rendering the pause ineffective ^[1].

Deadly Russian drone strikes hit the north-eastern city of Kharkiv overnight, killing several people and injuring at least 14, according to regional governor Oleg Synegubov ^[1]. The attacks underscore the ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest comments, but EU leaders have stood by him. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia did not respect the ceasefire and that sanctions must be maintained until Moscow stops the war ^[1].

The tension stems from a recent US deal to import 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel to lower fuel prices—a move Zelensky called a 'gift to Putin' ^[1]. This policy clash has strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Zelensky is holding back-to-back meetings with EU leaders, including Nato chief Mark Rutte and the presidents of Poland, France, Denmark, and Belgium. He also met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at No 10 earlier in the week ^[1].

The EU remains united in supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defence, with von der Leyen affirming that the bloc will not lift sanctions unless Russia halts its aggression ^[1]. The story was first reported by BBC News.