Zelenskyy seeks enhanced European support in Brussels following Trump's criticism

The Ukrainian president stated on Thursday afternoon, "Since midnight yesterday until now, the Russians have launched about 1,000 drones."

For his part, Rutte pointed to the importance of implementing the "energy truce" proposed by Trump on Sunday, which the Kremlin has not confirmed.

As for Zelenskyy, he did not mention it at all in his remarks regarding his meeting with Rutte. Ukraine had announced on Thursday the resumption of its strikes against Russian oil refineries after a pause, following the American president's unilateral announcement regarding the partial truce.

Moscow, which has not stopped launching its attacks on Ukraine, confirmed on Thursday that a fire had broken out at one of its oil refineries following a "large-scale attack" by Ukrainian drones and missiles.

The American president has publicly criticized, on several occasions, Ukraine's striking of energy facilities in Russia, considering that it exacerbates the global fuel shortage and contributes to rising prices.

Kyiv says it seeks to cut off the flow of Russian hydrocarbon revenues that allow for the financing of the war. In recent years, it has targeted many refineries and fuel depots, causing fuel shortages even within Russia.

- Pressure on Moscow -

Zelenskyy emphasized, during his meetings with Europeans which he began on Thursday afternoon, the necessity of continuing to pressure Moscow.

He wrote on social media on the eve of a working session with EU leaders, "We all in Europe want this war to end. To achieve that, we need strong signals, meaning more real pressure on Russia and more defensive support for Ukraine."

French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed, after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, that it is "of the utmost importance" to provide the means for Ukraine to defend itself.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a message online from Brussels saying, "I can assure you, dear Ukrainian friends and President Zelenskyy: you are not alone."

- Satellites and intelligence -

Kyiv, among other things, expressed its regret for not receiving warnings from its allies regarding imminent Russian attacks over the past few days.

It indicated that it is facing restrictions in the use of "Starshield" satellite services intended for military use in operations on the front and in defense, which has hindered a large part of its air defense activities and drone operations.

For his part, Elon Musk, who—like Donald Trump—is calling for Zelenskyy's departure, stated on Wednesday that any slowdown in "Starshield" is due to the American government, not the company "SpaceX."

According to a source in the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, "Starshield operations have been restored and are ongoing" as of Thursday. Kyiv is currently seeking to "clarify all the reasons and circumstances that led to the imposition of the restrictions yesterday," Wednesday.

According to Zelenskyy, the American side claimed that the absence of prior warning during the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday was caused by a technical problem. However, the president confirmed to the "Financial Times" that what happened "was not a technical problem, but was intentional."

Upon their arrival in Brussels on Thursday, European leaders expressed reservations regarding these "technical" incidents and Trump's recent statements.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, in a diplomatic tone, "I think the Western alliance is in a weaker position today than it was a few days ago."

But the majority acknowledge that the relationship with the United States is essential to support the Ukrainians.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said regarding the United States, "Of course we rely on them."