Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used a summit in Brussels on Friday to thank European allies for their unwavering support, a pointed contrast to the deteriorating relationship with the Trump administration. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky praised what he called “real leaders” in the EU who have stood with Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion.
“I am so thankful that we have such huge support from EU Council, Commission and leaders, real leaders so that they stay with us from the very beginning of this war,” Zelensky said, in remarks captured by CNN. “It’s crucial, and we count on the support.” He added that while Ukraine wants a swift end to the conflict, Moscow has shown no signs of readiness, forcing Kyiv to brace for a difficult winter.
The warm words for Europe come after a week of open friction with President Trump, who has pursued a controversial arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel to global markets. Zelensky has publicly rejected the deal, arguing that it rewards aggression and fails to address the real drivers of fuel prices. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, he pointed to the Strait of Hormuz as the key factor, not Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
“Everybody understands that the prices of diesel, it doesn’t depend on our attacks on diesel in Russia,” Zelensky said. “Everybody understands that it depends on the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz.” On social media, he warned that handing “gifts” to Putin would not bring peace and that Russia would “repay” the favor with further terror.
Trump responded sharply during a Newsmax interview, calling Zelensky “not a good guy for us to deal with” and claiming that Ukraine’s leadership has “destroyed that country.” He also said he believes the war will end soon but that Zelensky is more difficult to negotiate with than Putin. The escalating war of words has raised concerns among allies watching the president's foreign policy decisions, particularly as his administration faces scrutiny over its handling of multiple crises.
At Friday’s press conference, a reporter asked Zelensky whether he thought Trump was using him as a scapegoat for domestic problems, including rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in Iran. Zelensky paused, smiled, and replied: “This is my answer.” The non-answer drew laughter from the room but underscored the deepening rift between the two leaders.
The public spat comes at a critical moment for Ukraine, which depends on Western military and financial aid to fend off Russian advances. European leaders have signaled continued solidarity, but the Trump administration’s shifting stance has created uncertainty. Zelensky’s emphasis on European support appears aimed at reinforcing the transatlantic alliance’s commitment, even as Washington’s position evolves.
Analysts note that the diesel deal, while framed as a measure to stabilize global energy markets, has become a flashpoint in US-Ukraine relations. Zelensky’s team has argued that any engagement with Putin undermines Western unity and gives Moscow breathing room. The Ukrainian president’s pointed remarks in Brussels were widely seen as a rebuke of Trump’s approach.
As the war enters another winter, the question of how long Western support can hold remains open. Zelensky’s praise for European leaders may be an attempt to lock in that backing, but the tension with Washington shows no sign of easing. For now, the Ukrainian leader appears to be betting that Europe’s “real leaders” will remain reliable partners, even as the White House charts a different course.
