Trump attacks Zelensky over new Ukrainian offensive against Russian refineries

Trump attacks Zelensky over new Ukrainian offensive October 16, 2026 The President of the United States, Donald Trump, considered the renewed attacks by Ukraine against Russian oil refineries a "disgrace," according to what he stated in a televised interview broadcast this Thursday (October 15, 2026) to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview with the Newsmax network, Trump dismissed the new attacks by Ukraine in those terms and added that this offensive is raising global energy prices. Regarding Zelensky, Trump stated that he was less willing than Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a compromise to end the war. "It should end soon. I think, in reality, both would want to see it end (the war)," said Trump to Newsmax. "But I think Zelensky is more difficult for me to deal with than Putin," he added. Trump also suggested that a peace agreement would only be possible without the Ukrainian leader. "Zelensky is not a person we find convenient to deal with," he stated. "He does not want to reach an agreement. He says he wants to, but that's not the case. No, I am not exactly a great admirer of Zelensky," Trump pointed out, adding that he expects the war—which began with Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022—to end soon. Zelensky seeks support in Europe The Ukrainian leader met in Brussels with NATO chief Mark Rutte and held a series of bilateral meetings with European leaders before joining a European Union summit on Friday. Zelensky stated Thursday to the Financial Times that Ukraine will no longer refrain from attacking Russian refineries, as Moscow was not complying with the truce on attacks against energy infrastructure announced by Trump. Trump and Zelensky have had several confrontations. Earlier this week, Zelensky expressed his disappointment after Trump agreed with Moscow to allow Russia to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the US and global markets in exchange for a relief from sanctions. "It is a shame that we are losing a strong ally," Zelensky declared to the British journalist Piers Morgan. jc (afp, dpa) Do not let the algorithm hide the news. If you trust this site for reliable information, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google: click here and check the box or press the DW.com button to always see our verified news in your preferences.