Zelensky defends Ukraine’s right to self-defense after Trump criticism

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has the right to defend itself after US President Donald Trump called the latest strikes a disgrace; the BBC reports that Trump also described Zelenskyy as more difficult to work with than Putin, as EU leaders rallied around him. The Hindu reports that Zelenskyy rallied European allies and that French President Emmanuel Macron called it crucial for Ukraine to receive all the means necessary to protect itself after meeting him. The Financial Times reported that EU leaders planned to urge Zelenskyy to rein in his criticism of Trump.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   15 Oct 2026, 10:05 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that EU leaders planned to urge Zelenskyy to rein in his criticism of Trump.

2. The Hindu

   16 Oct 2026, 04:24 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that Zelenskyy rallied European allies as ties with Trump slumped and that Macron called it crucial for Ukraine to receive all the means necessary to protect itself after meeting Zelenskyy.

3. BBC

   16 Oct 2026, 15:22 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that Zelenskyy said Ukraine has the right to defend itself after Trump called the latest strikes a disgrace and said Zelenskyy was more difficult to work with than Putin, as EU leaders rallied around him.