EU did not ask Zelensky to soften tone toward Trump, says Politico

Contrary to some media speculation, EU leaders did not ask Ukrainian President Zelensky to soften his public criticism of Donald Trump during the Brussels summit, political news outlet Politico reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Zelensky has been sharply critical of Trump's approach to the Ukraine war, particularly the US president's public support for Russia's negotiating position and the throttling of Starlink. EU officials reportedly stressed the importance of maintaining a unified front with the United States while also supporting Ukraine's right to defend its position.

The Politico report comes as EU leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine at the summit, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasizing European solidarity with Kyiv regardless of US policy shifts.