Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted briefly to criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump during a press encounter in Brussels. When asked whether Trump was scapegoating him for issues within the United States, Zelensky responded with a visible grimace and silence, signaling his disapproval without elaborating further.

Trump recently criticized Zelensky for resuming attacks on Russian oil refineries earlier in the week, after Kyiv accused Moscow of violating a ceasefire agreement associated with the former president. Speaking to Newsmax, Trump condemned the strikes, saying they were contributing to rising global oil prices and described the situation as “a disgrace.”

Meanwhile, the violence in Ukraine continues unabated. Russian drone strikes struck the city of Kharkiv, killing three individuals, as well as causing widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands across several regions. The assaults underscore the ongoing instability and humanitarian toll within the country.

At a European Union summit, Zelensky outlined the financial challenges facing Ukraine amid the conflict. He projected that the war would impose an additional cost of approximately €155 billion on Ukraine next year. Zelensky further requested €70 billion in aid from Europe to support the nation’s defense and recovery efforts.

Zelensky also addressed the status of Starlink satellite internet services, noting that while operations had improved, full functionality had not yet been restored. He emphasized that disruptions to communication infrastructure continue to put Ukrainian civilians at risk, highlighting a critical vulnerability amid ongoing hostilities.