Zelensky thanks from Brussels for having the support of "the real leaders" amid the dispute with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the heads of state and government of the European Union, "the real leaders," for their support this Friday, before taking part in the European Council meeting that has been underway since Thursday in Brussels, at the same time as he maintains a dispute with the occupant of the White House, Donald Trump, over allowing the marketing of Russian diesel in the United States and over the magnate's criticism of Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. "I am glad to be here. I am very grateful for the enormous support we receive from the European Council, from the European Commission and from the leaders, real leaders, who have stood by our side since the beginning of this war. Having that support is fundamental," he said in a statement to the press jointly with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa. Zelensky went on to say that he does not see Russia as ready to end its invasion, and that is why Ukraine must prepare for winter, which will require having more energy reserves but also better air defense and funding. For this reason, he once again thanked the European Union for standing by his country's side. The Ukrainian leader detailed that he will discuss all of this with the leaders during his participation in the European Council, and that he will also address other matters such as the 2027 budgetary needs or Ukraine's accession process to the European Union, just days after opening two more negotiating clusters. Energy ceasefire "Our support for Ukraine remains as firm as ever. This is not the time to withdraw support for Ukraine. This is not the time to lift sanctions against Russia. Now is the time to increase our support and step up the pressure, and this is fundamental," Costa argued in turn, maintaining that for Russia to accept a ceasefire, measures against Moscow must not be relaxed. The Portuguese socialist told Zelensky that he can count on the entire European Council, not only for support during the war, but also to help him become part of the bloc. "We must keep moving forward in this process and I want to congratulate you on that. I also want to congratulate your Parliament, because, in the midst of a terrible war, you continue to fulfill your commitments, negotiating, passing measures and carrying out reforms. Thank you very much for your example as Europeans," he concluded. For her part, Von der Leyen criticized Russia for "doing everything possible to destroy energy and water supply infrastructure," but warned that the European Union will stand by Kyiv as it has done "during previous winters." The head of the EU executive backed President Trump's proposal to establish an energy ceasefire, but pointed out that "Russia has not respected it for a single minute"; on the contrary, it "has intensified its attacks." "Therefore, we must increase the pressure on Russia. We will move forward with the 22nd sanctions package, and one thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia ends the war," she concluded.