EU rallies around Zelensky as rift widens with Trump over Russia energy strikes

Relations deteriorated because Washington and Kyiv now disagree over sanctions, military tactics, and the direction of peace efforts. Trump returned to office promising to reduce US support for Ukraine. Since then, he has criticised Kyiv while appearing, in Ukraine’s view, increasingly sympathetic to Russia.

A major trigger was Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel onto global markets. Zelensky then ordered Ukrainian forces to restart strikes on Russian oil refineries, despite Washington’s demands. Trump called the attacks a disgrace and blamed them for raising global energy prices.

The dispute also became practical, not just political. Disruptions to the US-provided Starshield satellite system hampered Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian bombardments. Europe is backing Zelensky, but its leaders acknowledge that Europe cannot quickly replace key US satellite capabilities. Kyiv must therefore repair relations with Washington while seeking more European air-defence and financial support.

Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries during a sharp disagreement with Washington. The article does not give a detailed Ukrainian explanation for the decision, but it says Zelensky ordered the attacks in defiance of US demands. Ukraine was also angry about disrupted US satellite support, which had weakened its military position.

The strikes target infrastructure linked to Russia’s energy system. Trump called the renewed attacks a disgrace and said Kyiv was driving up global energy prices. The Kremlin likewise blamed Ukraine for derailing US peace efforts by restarting attacks on refineries. These reactions show how the strikes became both a battlefield action and a diplomatic flashpoint.

For Ukraine, stopping the attacks could reduce a source of pressure on Russia but might also limit its military choices. Continuing them risks deeper conflict with Washington. European leaders are trying to support Kyiv while helping it strengthen air defences and manage the wider political crisis.

Starshield is a SpaceX satellite system used by Ukraine for military purposes. It supports battlefield communications, mid-range strikes on Russian-occupied territory, and interceptor drones. That makes it more than a messaging tool: it helps connect Ukrainian forces and coordinate operations during combat.

The system is separate from SpaceX’s civilian Starlink network. Ukraine also uses Starlink, but the article says it does not use that parallel system for offensive operations. Elon Musk said SpaceX was not responsible for the disruption. He said limits on speed or usage were decided by the US military and ultimately the US president.

The capability matters because Russian bombardments are intense and Ukraine needs reliable communications and drone coordination. Recent disruptions have hampered Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said Europe cannot replace Starshield quickly, leaving Kyiv vulnerable if US support remains restricted or politically uncertain.

The EU already has a 90-billion-euro loan in place for Ukraine. The article gives its equivalent value as US$101-billion. The package was set to help cover Kyiv’s funding needs through the end of 2027, providing a major financial base while the war continues.

Ukraine says that support will not be enough. Ukrainian authorities warn they need tens of billions more because Russian strikes have damaged the country’s economy. Zelensky also says Ukraine must prepare for winter costs involving energy, air defence, and funding. The EU is therefore opening discussions about how to keep Kyiv financially afloat next year.

One proposed source is roughly 200 billion euros in frozen Russian central-bank assets. Latvian premier Andris Kulbergs said those funds should support Ukraine. However, Belgium remains opposed because most of the assets are held there. As a result, the additional money Ukraine seeks is not yet secured.

Ukraine’s defence depends partly on US-provided satellite capabilities. If that support is reduced, Ukrainian forces could lose reliable links needed to communicate and coordinate operations. The article says recent disruptions have already hampered the military’s ability to counter Russia’s intense bombardments.

Starshield supports battlefield communications, mid-range strikes on Russian-occupied territory, and interceptor drones. Losing or limiting those functions could make it harder for Ukrainian forces to share information, direct operations, and intercept incoming threats. The article also says Starlink is necessary, even though Ukraine uses the civilian system differently and not for offensive operations.

The danger is especially serious before winter. Zelensky says Ukraine must prepare for energy attacks, air-defence needs, and funding pressures. Europe is rallying around Kyiv, but Kaja Kallas says it cannot quickly replace the US satellite capability. Ukraine therefore faces both immediate battlefield risks and a longer-term need to repair ties with Washington.

The article’s central point is that Europe lacks a quick substitute for the satellite capability Ukraine receives from the United States. Starshield supports military communications, mid-range strikes, and interceptor drones. Replacing those functions would require more than sending conventional equipment; it would require a comparable operational satellite network.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, said Starlink is really necessary for Ukraine and that Europe cannot replace this capability in the short term. The article does not identify a European system able to take over immediately. It also distinguishes Starshield from civilian Starlink, although Ukraine uses both systems for different purposes.

This creates a serious dependency during the current crisis. Disruptions have already weakened Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian bombardments. European leaders are discussing air defences, funding, and winter preparations, but they must also encourage Kyiv to repair its relationship with Washington because satellite support remains difficult to replace quickly.

Frozen Russian central-bank assets are reserves belonging to Russia’s central bank that have been blocked under sanctions. They remain held in financial institutions but cannot be freely used by the Russian authorities. The article says around 200 billion euros are frozen and could provide a large source of support for Ukraine.

Using the money is difficult because transferring ownership or spending the principal can raise legal questions under international and domestic law. The article does not detail those legal arguments. Politically, EU governments must also agree on the move and manage the consequences of controlling assets held in their jurisdictions. Belgium is especially important because most of the funds are held there.

Supporters, including Latvian premier Andris Kulbergs, say the assets should fund Ukraine. Yet Belgium remains opposed, and the article says there is little momentum. That means the proposal could help close Kyiv’s funding gap, but it is not currently an agreed EU solution.