Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has once again clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump, voicing strong criticism that the U.S. leader's decision to allow the resumption of Russian diesel sales in the international market is "inappropriate."

He also stated that next year's war expenditures will reach 155 billion euros (approx. 233 trillion won) and appealed for an additional 70 billion euros (approx. 102 trillion won) in financial support.

Speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels, Belgium, on the 16th (local time), President Zelenskyy pointed out that the "diesel deal" struck between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was inappropriate, and added that he expects similar agreements regarding Russian gas to follow.

President Trump, who has been struggling with public discontent driven by rising oil prices ahead of next month's midterm elections, recently made a surprise announcement lifting some sanctions on Russia to release Russian diesel into the market, unilaterally declaring an "energy truce." This led to public backlash from President Zelenskyy, escalating tensions between the two sides.

"Through this deal, we will see cash starting to flow back into Russia," President Zelenskyy protested, adding, "This deal falls far short of offsetting the blow from the Strait of Hormuz, but it puts more money directly into Putin's pockets to be used as war funds."

He continued, "Putin currently does not want peace negotiations in any form," arguing that "he claims Russia is engaging in negotiations, but is playing games with wordplay and lacks any genuine will to end the war."

President Zelenskyy's visit to Brussels came amid growing discord between the two leaders, sparked after Ukraine resumed airstrikes on Russian oil refineries despite President Trump's repeated pressure, prompting Trump to criticize the move as "shameful."

Amid the clash between the two heads of state, disruptions occurred in Starshield connections on the Ukrainian battlefield, which are essential for Ukraine's drone attacks and defense against Russia. This has raised suspicions that President Trump may be using the satellite system—a "lifeline" for Ukraine—as a means to pressure President Zelenskyy.

Starshield is a military satellite system developed by SpaceX, led by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk.

At the press conference, President Zelenskyy noted that while SpaceX's satellite communication service has improved, it has not yet fully recovered, adding, "This disruption has put the lives of civilians at risk."

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that in his address to EU leaders earlier that day, President Zelenskyy estimated that next year's war costs would reach 155 billion euros, requesting European nations to secure at least 70 billion euros of that amount.

"This is a realistic and necessary amount," he said, adding, "Your support will help us halt Russia's advance."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)