EU leaders expected to urge Zelensky to tone down public criticism of Trump in closed-door talks

Europeans fear repeat of February White House clash; US intelligence, Starlink disruptions deepen alarm

Zelensky holds series of bilateral meetings in Brussels, seeks stronger European support

US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky [AFP]
US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky [AFP]

European leaders, embarrassed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's relentless public attacks on US President Donald Trump, are planning to ask him to dial back his rhetoric, according to reports. Their concern is that Zelensky's outspoken criticism could further damage an already strained relationship between Washington and Kyiv.

EU leaders plan to meet Zelensky in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday and ask him to lower the volume of his public criticism of Trump, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Thursday, Zelensky unleashed a barrage of criticism at the Trump administration — condemning a so-called "diesel deal" Trump recently struck with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and calling the suspension of US intelligence support to Ukraine "dangerous."

Zelensky also claimed that Trump feels an instinctive affinity for dictators and the ultra-wealthy, and expressed strong displeasure at Trump's demand that he resign.

He further signaled his intent to defy Trump's pressure by announcing plans to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, despite repeated US calls to halt such attacks.

Zelensky's string of blunt broadsides against Trump on the eve of the EU summit generated a palpable sense of unease among European leaders, sources said.

An official familiar with the summit's preparations said "even if it's true, it doesn't necessarily have to be said in public." The official said EU leaders, who are scheduled to hold closed-door talks with Zelensky on Friday, will reaffirm their commitment to continued support for Ukraine while delivering a firm message urging him to soften his public statements targeting Trump.

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have cooled sharply after Trump — worried that rising diesel prices could cost him votes ahead of the midterm elections — reached a deal with Putin to import Russian diesel and proposed that Europe unfreeze frozen Russian state assets.

The Financial Times assessed that the two countries are now entering their most serious crisis since Trump summoned Zelensky to the Oval Office in February last year, shortly after the start of his second term, and berated him — criticizing his military fatigues and telling him to be grateful for American support.

After that confrontation, Trump ordered a complete halt to military aid to Ukraine, prompting major European leaders to mount an all-out diplomatic campaign to persuade him not to abandon the Western coalition backing Kyiv — narrowly averting a complete rupture.

Since Trump took office, the United States has cut off direct financial assistance to Ukraine and now supplies only weapons paid for by Ukraine and European allies. Yet US intelligence and weaponry remain central to Ukraine's ability to wage war, and Europe has no means to replace them if security cooperation between Washington and Kyiv were to break down.

European alarm has deepened further since the standoff between Trump and Zelensky over the diesel deal. Early warnings of Russian ballistic missile launches — previously provided by the United States — suddenly stopped, and unexpected speed restrictions were imposed on Starlink, the US satellite communications service that serves as a lifeline for Ukrainian forces.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin told reporters on the first day of the EU summit that "we need to continue to work with the United States," adding: "There have been challenges and difficulties on this issue before, but we have experience of improving the situation through active engagement and maintaining the relationship. Those efforts will continue."

Meanwhile, Zelensky arrived in Brussels on Thursday evening and held a series of bilateral meetings — with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, French President Emmanuel Macron, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

The meetings were widely seen as an effort to secure stronger military and financial support from Europe as his confrontation with Washington intensifies.

Before the talks, Tusk posted on social media: "Dear Ukrainian friends, and President Zelensky! Let me be clear — you are never alone," expressing solidarity with Ukraine as it faces mounting pressure from Russia's military offensive and the United States alike.


mokiya@heraldcorp.com