Trump calls Ukraine strikes on Russian oil refineries a disgrace

Former US President Donald Trump described Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries as a "disgrace," according to The Guardian. He also renewed his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying Zelenskyy is "more difficult to deal with than Putin." These remarks came after an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine collapsed, with Ukraine abruptly abandoning the ceasefire that Trump had declared the previous week, although neither Russia nor Ukraine had agreed to it.

Meanwhile, the European Union continues to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. EU Council President Antonio Costa warned against withdrawing support and emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia, as reported by France 24. Costa made these comments ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, which was attended by Zelenskyy and other EU officials.

The EU is also considering providing a new loan to Ukraine to help cover its budget gap for the next year. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal explained that this mechanism has been used multiple times before to support Ukraine financially. Ukraine faces a budget crisis due to military funding deficits, stalled economic growth, and revenue shortfalls caused by intensified Russian strikes on businesses and infrastructure.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin indicated that Europe would continue its outreach to the United States regarding Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia is the aggressor in the conflict. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa confirmed that the EU will maintain sanctions against Russia and will not lift them unless Russia stops the war.