In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump called Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace”. This remark came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Trump’s suggestions for an “energy ceasefire.” Zelensky was actively seeking support from European allies during an EU summit in Brussels.
European leaders are reportedly united in their discussions regarding Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, as stated by Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
In conjunction, Zelensky engaged in multiple meetings with NATO chief Mark Rutte and other European leaders, prepping for the summarizing EU summit scheduled for Friday.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has escalated tensions in Ukraine, with emergency power cuts being implemented in Kyiv due to Russian strikes, as reported by the private energy provider DTEK. Additional Russian drone strikes have reportedly impacted the Volyn region, leaving approximately 370,000 people without power.
Ukrainian authorities reported injuries from drone attacks on residential areas, while Poland scrambled fighter jets amidst fears of airspace violations. However, no violations were recorded, according to Polish armed forces.
Trump’s criticisms extend beyond the direct implications of the strikes. He indicated that these actions were contributing to higher global energy prices and expressed a belief that both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin wish for the conflict to come to a close. However, he described Zelensky as less amenable to negotiations compared to Putin.
