Zelenskyy praises 'real leaders' in Europe, as his strained relationship with Trump overshadows EU summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday praised Europe's "real leaders" for standing by Kyiv on Friday, as his strained relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump clouds a summit focused on securing further support for Ukraine.

"I'm so thankful that we have such huge support from EU Council Commission and leaders – real leaders," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing Europe's backing since the beginning of the war.

The remarks come as Zelenskyy is reportedly facing increasing pressure to tone down public criticism of Trump.

Three officials familiar with the EU summit preparations told the Financial Times that they plan to privately urge Zelenskyy to tone down his rhetoric when they meet him in Brussels on Friday.

According to Politico, some EU leaders are also concerned about Zelenskyy's handling of his strained relationship with Trump, with one EU diplomat saying Zelenskyy's public criticism of the president was "not helpful."

"We want to end this war as quick as possible. We don't see now signals from Russia side that they are ready for this to end this war," Zelenskyy told reporters in Brussels on Friday.