After Trump's Criticism, Zelensky Seeks European Defense Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels seeking enhanced support from his European allies, who are gathering for a summit on Thursday and Friday, amid severe criticism directed at him by US President Donald Trump.

Zelensky first met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to emphasize the urgent need to resupply Ukraine with interceptor missiles and ammunition, as Russian strikes escalate.

The Ukrainian president stated on Thursday afternoon that "since midnight last night until now, the Russians have launched approximately 1,000 drones."

Rutte, for his part, pointed to the importance of implementing the "energy truce" proposed by Trump on Sunday, which the Kremlin has not confirmed. Zelensky did not mention this at all in his remarks regarding his meeting with Rutte.

Ukraine had announced on Thursday the resumption of its strikes against Russian oil refineries after a pause, following the unilateral announcement by the US president regarding the partial truce.

Moscow, which has not stopped launching attacks on Ukraine, confirmed on Thursday that one of its oil refineries was engulfed in flames following a "large-scale attack" by Ukrainian drones and missiles.

The US president publicly criticized, on several occasions, Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy facilities, arguing that they exacerbate global fuel shortages and contribute to rising prices.

Kyiv states that it seeks to cut off Russia's hydrocarbon revenues, which fund the war.

In recent years, it has targeted numerous refineries and fuel depots, causing fuel shortages even within Russia.

Pressure on Moscow

During his meetings with Europeans, which began on Thursday afternoon, Zelensky emphasized the necessity of continuing pressure on Moscow.

He wrote on social media on the eve of a working session with EU leaders: "We all want this war to end in Europe. To achieve that, we need strong signals, meaning more real pressure on Russia and more defensive support for Ukraine."

French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, affirmed that it is "of utmost importance" to provide Ukraine with the means to defend itself.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted an online message from Brussels stating, "I can assure you, dear Ukrainian friends and President Zelensky: You are not alone."

Satellites and Intelligence

Kyiv expressed regret, among other things, over not receiving warnings from its allies about imminent Russian attacks in the past few days.

It noted that it faces restrictions on using Starlink services designated for military use in frontline operations and defense, which hindered a significant portion of its air defense activities and drone operations.

Elon Musk, who like Donald Trump calls for Zelensky's departure, stated on Wednesday that any slowdown in "Starlink" was due to the US government, not SpaceX.

According to a source in the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, "Starlink operations have been restored and are ongoing" as of Thursday. Kyiv is currently seeking to "clarify all reasons and circumstances that led to the imposition of restrictions on Wednesday."

According to Zelensky, the American side claimed that the lack of prior warning during Tuesday and Wednesday nights was due to a technical issue.

But the president told the Financial Times that what happened "was not a technical problem, but rather deliberate."

Upon their arrival in Brussels on Thursday, European leaders expressed reservations regarding these "technical" incidents and Trump's recent statements.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated diplomatically: "I believe the Western alliance is today in a weaker position than it was a few days ago."

However, the majority acknowledge that the relationship with the United States is essential to supporting Ukrainians.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said regarding the United States, "Of course, we depend on them."