In brief
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has thanked the European Union for its aid and labelled the heads of state gathered in Brussels as true leaders, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments cast a shadow over Ukraine’s new offensive. Tensions are rising as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries—a move Trump calls disgraceful. The BBC’s Nick Beake covers the unfolding diplomatic scene amid renewed doubts about U.S. support.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Brussels last week to thank the European Union for its continued support, describing the heads of state and government gathered there as “real leaders.” The statement came at a time when Kyiv’s strategy of striking Russian oil refineries has drawn sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who called the renewal of attacks a disgrace.
Zelenskiy’s comments were framed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, underscoring the high profile of the meeting. The trio’s presence signals an attempt to secure fresh commitments from Western partners amid escalating threats from Moscow.
BBC reporter Nick Beake brings the story live from Brussels, noting that while the EU has stepped up military aid, questions linger over the scale of U.S. assistance. The former president’s remarks have added fuel to a debate about how much support the United States is willing to extend to a nation still combing for safety against a neighbor that has declared a full-scale invasion in early 2022.
The diplomatic dance continues as Ukraine presses for longer‑term assurances on arms, training and financial aid. Politically, the issue tests the cohesion of Western alliances and the willingness to confront Russia’s narrative in a world where information battles are as critical as physical ones.
For ongoing coverage of the Ukraine crisis and its implications for global security, stay tuned to the BBC and keep following updates on our website.
