Speaking on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back against Donald Trump's assertion that he is harder to deal with than Vladimir Putin. In an interview with Euronews, Zelenskyy said that, in his experience, negotiations with the US president are more straightforward than those with the Russian leader.
"Well, it's easier dealing with him than with Putin. I'm talking about Trump," Zelenskyy said. "I've had several meetings with the President of the United States of America, and we always find topics for discussion and decision-making."
The remarks come after a week of friction between Kyiv and Washington, triggered by Ukraine's continued strikes on Russian oil refineries and the Trump administration's decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel. The US president has criticised the Ukrainian attacks, blaming them for pushing up global fuel prices.
Zelenskyy made clear that his primary obligation is to protect Ukraine's national interests, regardless of external pressure. "I defend the interests of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people exclusively. We were attacked, occupied, and our people were killed. It is only logical that we have the right to defend ourselves," he said. "This is entirely lawful, and so we will do just that. We will stand firm."
He did not directly answer whether European leaders had endorsed further strikes on Russian refineries, instead reiterating Ukraine's right to self-defence. The question of how far to push attacks on Russian energy infrastructure has divided Kyiv's allies, with some fearing escalation and others, including several EU member states, supporting Ukraine's strategy.
Putin not interested in peace talks
The Ukrainian president insisted that Kyiv remains committed to ending the war through negotiations, but accused Putin of lacking any genuine interest in a peace agreement. "Putin does not want negotiations right now, in any format," Zelenskyy said, describing Moscow's rhetoric as "a parody of a genuine desire to end the war". He added: "He does not want the war to end. I am convinced that this is why even the Donbas is too small for him."
Zelenskyy's comments come as European leaders have sought to maintain pressure on Moscow, even as Washington has moved to ease some restrictions. The EU has been working to close ranks behind Kyiv amid the transatlantic rift.
Warning against easing sanctions
Zelenskyy also cautioned that relaxing restrictions on Russian diesel could set a dangerous precedent. "In my view, we cannot accept these diesel deals, these agreements, because gas deals will follow. I am absolutely certain of this. After gas, sanctions will be lifted on other things as well," he warned. "It will all come down to the banking system, individuals, and the chemical industry."
He expressed concern about the future of frozen Russian assets, suggesting they could be at risk if Western countries continue to make concessions to Moscow. "If I do not defend this, who will do it for us? I mean diplomatically," Zelenskyy said.
The US decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel has already caused ripples within the EU. While some member states, such as Bulgaria, have backed the move, others remain wary. The debate over how to handle Russian energy exports is likely to feature prominently at upcoming EU discussions, as leaders weigh the economic benefits against the strategic risks of funding Moscow's war machine.
Zelenskyy's appearance in Brussels underscores the delicate balancing act facing European leaders as they try to support Ukraine while managing their own energy security and economic interests. The coming weeks will test whether the EU can maintain a united front in the face of Washington's shifting stance.
