'It's harder to work with Zelensky than with Putin': Trump says Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian refineries is a 'shame'

President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that Ukraine’s resumption of strikes on Russian refineries constitutes a "shame," sharply escalating his rhetoric against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking to the news network Newsmax, the American president criticized the military actions, stating that there are many other potential targets available for attack. He further asserted that working with Zelensky is more difficult than dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This statement came shortly after Zelensky informed the Financial Times that the previous pause in Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel facilities had ended, effectively defying a proposed energy truce that Moscow had not agreed to support. The confrontation occurred amid rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Earlier in the day, Zelensky stated that the halt to strikes on Russian refineries was lifted because Russia was not adhering to the ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure. Trump responded by arguing that attacking diesel refineries does not serve the world. He accused Zelensky of solely focusing on driving up global oil prices. The American president claimed that Zelensky is not the right person to secure a deal for the United States, noting that while the Ukrainian leader says he wants an agreement, he does not actually want one. Trump added that he does not care for Zelensky much. These remarks followed a period of strained relations between the two nations. Kyiv expressed concern over the durability of American support and raised questions about whether the United States might assist Russia. The Ukrainian side complained about not being warned by allies regarding imminent Russian attacks in recent days. Additionally, Ukraine noted restrictions on its use of satellite services provided by Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, which are critical for its military operations. In response to these developments, Zelensky traveled to Brussels on Thursday after visiting London earlier in the week. In the Belgian capital, he met with high-ranking officials from NATO and the European Union. He discussed the importance of implementing an energy truce and securing continued support from NATO allies. On Friday, Zelensky joined an EU summit in Brussels alongside top European leaders. European officials reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine during this summit. European Council President Antonio Costa assured attendees that they could count on Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that no sanctions against Russia would be lifted until the war ends. She stated that it is not the time to cease aid to Ukraine. However, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged limitations in European capabilities. She admitted that Europe cannot replace the Starlink satellite network in the short term, describing the system as truly essential for Ukraine. Kallas noted that discussions are underway regarding defense readiness to address the EU's lagging capabilities in this area. The diplomatic exchanges highlight a divergence in strategy between the Western partners and the United States. While European leaders focus on maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions and continued aid, the White House has shifted toward criticizing Ukrainian military tactics. Trump’s comments suggest a preference for a quicker resolution to the conflict, even if it involves criticism of Ukraine’s current approach. He stated that the war should end soon and suggested that both sides would prefer such an outcome. The situation reflects broader uncertainties within the alliance structure. Ukraine seeks reliable long-term security guarantees and consistent military support. Meanwhile, Washington appears increasingly focused on domestic economic concerns, such as energy prices, and on negotiating a rapid settlement. The lack of consensus on how to proceed has left Kyiv seeking reassurance from its European counterparts. The EU’s admission that it cannot immediately replicate specific technological assets like Starlink underscores the complexities of sustaining modern warfare support systems. As the summit concluded, attention turned to future diplomatic steps. The differing public stances between Trump and European leaders indicate a fragmented front in supporting Ukraine. While Brussels continues to pledge unwavering support, Washington’s tone has grown more critical. The immediate impact of these statements on battlefield dynamics remains to be observed, though the political friction is evident. Both sides continue to engage in dialogue, but the gap in expectations regarding the conduct and duration of the war persists. The coming weeks will likely test the resilience of these alliances as each party navigates internal pressures and external strategic goals.