‘What do you expect him to do?’ A diplomat explains why European leaders didn’t pressure Zelensky over his criticism of Trump

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   EU Leaders Refuse to Pressure Zelensky Over Trump Criticism

   European Union leaders refrained from urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to soften his public criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump during a summit in Brussels. Four EU diplomats briefed on the discussions told Politico that leaders chose not to confront Zelensky over the testy trans-Atlantic dynamic. The meeting unfolded as relations between Kyiv and Washington continue to deteriorate, with Trump recently remarking that the Ukrainian leader is more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, European officials pledged steady support for Ukraine as the United States backpedals on its commitments.

   Why it matters

   The tense exchange highlights a widening diplomatic chasm between Washington and its European allies regarding the war in Ukraine. As U.S. support stumbles, European capitals are rushing to reassure Kyiv of their backing despite mounting geopolitical friction. The delicate balancing act reflects Europe's precarious position as it tries to maintain solidarity with a defiant Ukrainian administration without entirely alienating the White House.

   What is confirmed

   • European Union leaders did not ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to tone down his criticism of US President Donald Trump during talks in Brussels, according to diplomatic sources.
   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised real leaders in Europe at a summit in Belgium on Friday.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Prior to the meeting, journalists reported that European leaders were expected to ask Zelensky to tone down his public criticism of Donald Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Any formal policy shifts in U.S. aid to Ukraine following the summit
   • Further public statements from Washington regarding its relationship with Kyiv
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. BBC — Zelensky rallies EU support as Trump says Ukraine leader 'more difficult to deal with than Putin'
   2. CNN — Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ in Europe as his relationship with Trump deteriorates
   3. www.cnn.com — Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ in Europe as his relationship ...
   4. dw.com — Ukrainian President Zelenskyy speaks at EU summit amid spat with Donald Trump
   5. Meduza — ‘What do you expect him to do?’ A diplomat explains why European leaders didn’t pressure Zelensky over his criticism of Trump
   6. upi — 'Russia is killing us': 20M Ukrainians could flee to Europe
   7. dw.com — EU leaders pledge support for Ukraine's Zelenskyy at Brussels summit as US backpedals
   8. The Economist — World in Brief: Zelensky rallies European leaders; Bulgaria requests NATO support
   9. meduza.io — ‘What do you expect him to do?’ A diplomat explains why ...
   10. hromadske.ua — EU leaders did not pressure Zelenskyy to soften criticism of ...
   11. www.yahoo.com — EU did not ask Zelenskyy to "tone down" on Trump - Yahoo
   12. babel.ua — EU leaders should ask Zelensky to tone down criticism of ...
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