EU leaders intend to ask Zelensky to soften criticism of Trump
Leaders of a number of European Union countries intend to ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to tone down his public criticism of US President Donald Trump. Brussels fears that further confrontation between the two leaders could finally undermine relations between Kyiv and Washington.
This was reported on October 15 by the Financial Times, citing European officials familiar with the preparations for the EU summit in Brussels.
According to the publication, several European leaders plan to discuss this issue directly with Zelensky on Friday, October 16. They intend to reaffirm support for Ukraine, but at the same time urge the Ukrainian president to greater restraint in public statements about the US administration.
The cause for concern was Zelensky's recent interview with the Financial Times, in which he criticized Trump's agreement with Russia on diesel fuel supplies, restrictions on US intelligence support for Ukraine, and the US president's attitude toward authoritarian leaders.
European officials acknowledge the validity of many of the Ukrainian president's grievances, but believe that publicly escalating the conflict with the White House could harm Ukraine's interests.
"Perhaps this is true, but it is not always necessary to say it out loud," — said one European official.
The main concern of European partners relates to further cuts in American aid. Although Washington no longer provides Ukraine with direct financial support, the United States remains an important source of arms purchased by Kyiv and its allies, as well as intelligence.
European capitals consider it necessary to maintain engagement with the Trump administration, despite serious disagreements over Washington's policy toward Russia.
For now, this concerns the intentions of individual European leaders, not an official decision of the European Union. There has been no public reaction from Kyiv to the presumed request of European partners.
Based on materials from: Financial Times.