EU leaders to urge Zelensky to soften Trump criticism

European Union leaders plan to privately advise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to soften his public criticism of US President Donald Trump, according to the Financial Times. The recommendation stems from concerns that Zelensky's increasingly blunt remarks could further damage already tense Washington-Kyiv relations. Three sources familiar with EU summit preparations said leaders, meeting Zelensky in Brussels on October 16, will urge restraint behind closed doors, with one saying "what is said may be true, but it doesn't always need to be said loudly." The warnings follow reports that US special envoys threatened to halt intelligence sharing if Kyiv didn't stop strikes on Russian refineries, and that the White House warned of suspending intelligence and arms sales over attacks on Russian energy facilities. Trump denies any halt, though US officials reportedly remain divided on the issue.