European Union leaders are preparing to reaffirm their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as tensions with US President Donald Trump deepen over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries and the future of Western assistance to Kyiv.
The dispute has complicated diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, with Trump condemning Kyiv’s renewed strikes on Russian energy infrastructure while European leaders stress the need to maintain Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Friday, October 16, for an EU summit where discussions are expected to focus on military assistance, financial support and preparations for a difficult winter as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to damage Ukrainian infrastructure.
Trump Criticises Ukraine’s Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries
Trump described Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as a “disgrace”, arguing that the attacks were contributing to higher global energy prices.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmax, the US president said Ukraine had other targets available and criticised its decision to attack facilities producing diesel fuel, which he said was needed by the United States and the wider world.
His remarks followed a Ukrainian drone attack on a Rosneft oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow, after Kyiv announced that it would no longer hold back from striking Russian energy infrastructure.
Trump has been pressing both Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on energy facilities as part of his efforts to broker an end to the war. However, Kyiv has accused Moscow of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite the ceasefire proposal.
The disagreement has exposed differences between Washington and Kyiv over the terms and enforcement of an energy truce. <Cite refs={["turn512241news8","turn512241news9"]}/>
Zelenskyy Seeks More Support From Europe
At the Brussels summit, Zelenskyy called for continued assistance to help Ukraine withstand Russian attacks and prepare for winter.
The Ukrainian president said Kyiv needed more than energy supplies, stressing the importance of air defence systems and financial support to maintain the country’s defence and essential services.
Ukraine is facing substantial financial pressures. According to Reuters, the country’s finance minister has identified an unfunded budget gap of $32.6 billion for 2027, separate from an estimated $40 billion in military supplies needed from international partners.
The figures underline the scale of the challenge facing European governments as uncertainty grows over the future level of American assistance.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said European leaders would discuss how to help Ukraine navigate the diplomatic difficulties and survive the coming winter.
European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Kyiv
Several European leaders have publicly backed Ukraine as its relationship with the Trump administration faces renewed strain.
French President Emmanuel Macron said it was crucial for Ukraine to receive the means necessary to protect itself following his meeting with Zelenskyy.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed support for the Ukrainian leader, declaring that Ukraine was not alone.
European governments remain concerned that a reduction in US intelligence-sharing or weapons assistance could leave Ukraine more vulnerable to Russian attacks. The EU has therefore continued discussions on military aid, financial support and additional pressure on Moscow.
However, European leaders are also trying to preserve working relations with Washington, recognising the importance of US involvement in efforts to end the conflict.
Reports indicate that some EU leaders are concerned about Zelenskyy’s public criticism of Trump and may urge him to moderate his language to avoid further damaging transatlantic relations. Their support for Ukraine therefore comes alongside efforts to manage disagreements with the American president.
Russia Continues Attacks on Ukrainian Infrastructure
While the diplomatic dispute continues, Russian attacks have placed further pressure on Ukraine’s energy network.
Reuters reported that drone strikes on Kharkiv killed three people, while attacks in the Volyn region near the Polish border left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity. Emergency power cuts were also introduced in Kyiv during Russian strikes.
Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of disregarding the proposed energy ceasefire and continuing attacks on infrastructure that supports civilian life.
Russia, meanwhile, has accused Ukraine of undermining US-led peace efforts by resuming attacks on Russian refineries.
The competing accusations highlight the absence of an agreed and consistently observed halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. They also complicate efforts to establish conditions for broader peace negotiations.
Trump’s Russia Policy Raises Further Questions in Europe
Trump’s criticism of Ukraine comes amid wider disagreement over his administration’s approach to Moscow.
The US president has backed a deal involving the release of Russian diesel supplies to international markets as part of efforts to address energy-price pressures. The arrangement has alarmed Ukraine and several European governments, which argue that easing restrictions could provide Russia with additional revenue while its invasion continues.
European leaders have also opposed weakening pressure on Moscow, maintaining that sanctions and military assistance remain important tools in efforts to bring Russia to meaningful negotiations.
The dispute over energy supplies has added another layer of tension to an already difficult relationship between the United States and its European allies.
For European governments, the challenge is to sustain support for Ukraine while keeping diplomatic channels open with Washington.
What Happens Next?
The EU summit in Brussels is expected to focus on Ukraine’s immediate military and financial requirements, its energy security and the broader diplomatic situation.
Zelenskyy is seeking assurances that European partners will continue supporting his country as it prepares for winter and faces uncertainty over American policy.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to press Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes are damaging global energy interests.
Whether European assistance can offset any reduction in US support remains a major question. The immediate priority for Kyiv is to protect its population and infrastructure while maintaining the military capacity to resist Russia’s invasion.
The latest disagreement shows how energy prices, military strategy and diplomacy have become intertwined in the debate over ending the war. For now, European leaders are signalling continued support for Ukraine, even as they seek to prevent the dispute with Washington from widening further.