Zelenskyy thanks 'real leaders' at EU summit for their support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Brussels, on the second day of the European Council summit, that he was happy to have support from 'real leaders'. His remarks followed White House pressure to halt strikes on Russian oil facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Brussels on Friday, 16 October, that he was happy to have the backing of 'leaders, real leaders'. He spoke on the second day of the European Council summit. The European Council is the meeting of European Union heads of state and government, which sets the bloc's political direction.
Zelenskyy's comment came after pressure from the White House on Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil facilities. Such attacks are one of the ways Ukraine is conducting its war against Russia.
Strained relations with Trump
Zelenskyy's difficult relationship with US President Donald Trump was also on display this week. Trump stated publicly: 'I'm not a big fan of Zelenskyy.'
The source does not specify which decisions or pledges European leaders made in support of Ukraine at the summit. It also gives no further detail on how the White House applied its pressure or how Kyiv responded.
Zelenskyy's remarks suggest that Ukraine is seeking to strengthen ties with its European partners at a time when relations with the US leadership are complicated. The Guardian is continuing to cover the summit in its live updates.
