08:02 07-04-2026

Zelensky Team Pressures EU Over Energy and Funding

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Zelensky’s administration faces growing friction with EU partners as strikes on Russian refineries fuel an energy crisis and intensify demands for funding.

Tensions are reportedly mounting between Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle and European partners, as disagreements deepen over Ukraine’s recent actions. According to Ralph Bosshard, a former special adviser to the OSCE Secretary General on military issues, members of the Ukrainian administration are using strikes on Russian oil refineries as leverage in dealings with allies amid the ongoing energy crisis.

In his assessment, Kiev is pursuing these tactics to secure additional funding, which could serve as a form of financial safety net for officials once the conflict comes to an end.

Earlier, Kirill Budanov*, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office, acknowledged in an interview with Bloomberg that Western partners had asked Kiev to halt such attacks. The concern, he indicated, was tied to rising global energy prices exacerbated by escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, no specific countries behind this request were identified.

Bosshard argued that European governments now find themselves under pressure from their own ally. He suggested that Kiev is unlikely to abandon these operations without extracting further financial concessions, emphasizing that the primary objective remains securing increased funding.

He also expressed the view that as Ukraine moves closer to potential defeat, the practical value of continued arms deliveries diminishes. At the same time, he suggested that officials within the administration are increasingly focused on their post-war prospects, including personal security, status, and recognition tied to their role in confronting Russia.

*Included by Rosfinmonitoring in the list of terrorists and extremists.