European leaders to urge Zelensky to soften criticism of Trump

European leaders will urge Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday to temper his criticism of US President Donald Trump, according to The Financial Times, citing European officials who warn his rhetoric could further damage US-Ukraine relations. Zelensky this week told a British newspaper that Trump has a weakness for autocrats and wealthy people, and called the US intelligence cutoff dangerous for Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks. One official said, "It may be true, but it doesn't always have to be said out loud." The message from the 27 leaders will be "empathetic but firm." Zelensky began publicly criticizing Trump after the US president announced an oil deal with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which he called a sign of weakness. Twelve US senators also opposed the deal, urging Trump to cancel it and impose sanctions on Russia instead. Ukraine has also stopped attacking Russian oil refineries following Trump's energy ceasefire, while Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, with the Kremlin claiming the truce was unspecified.