Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended his country's attacks on Russian oil refineries after Donald Trump called them "a disgrace," saying he was defending Ukraine's interests at an EU summit in Brussels. The dispute comes as tensi
If I don't stand up to this, if I don't defend it, who else will do this diplomatically?
Zelensky insists he's defending Ukraine's interests, not provoking conflict
Zelensky said he was 'only standing up for Ukraine's interests' during a European Union summit in Brussels, and asked 'If I don't stand up to this, if I don't defend it, who else will do this diplomatically?'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended his country's actions after US President Donald Trump criticised Ukraine's renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries. Zelensky said he was "only standing up for Ukraine's interests" during a European Union summit in Brussels, amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump described Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil facilities as "a disgrace" and said Zelensky was more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
If I don't stand up to this, if I don't defend it, who else will do this diplomatically?
The dispute has intensified following a controversial US deal with Moscow to import Russian diesel, which Zelensky fears could lead to further agreements that ease pressure on Russia.
Zelensky also accused Putin of having no genuine interest in ending the war, arguing that Russia's continued attacks showed Moscow was not committed to peace.
European leaders have reiterated their support for Ukraine as the diplomatic tensions continue, with discussions focusing on military assistance, energy security and funding for the coming winter. Ukraine continues to face Russian attacks on its infrastructure and seeks continued international support for its defence.
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Defended Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries and stated he was standing up for Ukraine's interests during an EU summit in Brussels, amid tensions with the US.
“If I don't stand up to this, if I don't defend it, who else will do this diplomatically?”
Criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil facilities as 'a disgrace' and claimed Zelensky was more difficult to deal with than Putin.
Accused by Zelensky of having no genuine interest in ending the war, with Russia continuing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Hosted a summit in Brussels where Zelensky made his defense; European leaders reiterated support for Ukraine and discussed military assistance and energy security.