Brief
Zelensky seeks European backing after clash with Trump over refinery strikes
Zelensky met NATO chief Mark Rutte and European heads in Brussels, urging stronger pressure on Russia amid strained US ties.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Brussels on Thursday to meet NATO chief Mark Rutte and a series of European leaders, seeking renewed backing after he announced Kyiv would no longer heed U.S. President Donald Trump's request to refrain from striking Russian oil refineries, France 24 reported.
Zelensky said the decision came after Moscow ignored a U.S.-proposed energy cease‑fire and exploited problems with the Starlink satellite system that supports Ukraine's military communications. He cited a recent drone attack on Lutsk that caused blackouts, describing it as "maximum destruction" to civilian infrastructure.
During the Brussels visit, French President Emmanuel Macron called it "crucial" that Ukraine receive "all the means necessary to protect itself" and reassured Zelensky, "You are not alone," according to the outlet. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the sentiment on social media, stressing European solidarity.
The president also held bilateral talks with other European heads before joining an EU summit scheduled for Friday. In a separate statement to the Financial Times, Zelensky warned that the Kremlin had resumed strikes on Ukrainian energy sites, contravening the cease‑fire proposal put forward by Trump.
Russia, for its part, accused Ukraine of undermining U.S. peace efforts by resuming attacks on refineries, and reported a drone strike on an oil refinery south of Moscow that sparked a fire.
Key facts
- Zelensky met NATO chief Mark Rutte in Brussels on 15 October 2026. (france24.com)
- He announced Ukraine would no longer hold off striking Russian oil refineries, contrary to President Trump's request. (france24.com)
- French President Emmanuel Macron said it was "crucial" Ukraine receive all means to protect itself. (france24.com)
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted "You are not alone" to Zelensky on X. (france24.com)
- Russia reported a drone attack on an oil refinery south of Moscow that caused a fire. (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Zelensky rallies European allies as US support for Ukraine wanes”
