Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries, Zelensky tells FT, as frustration with Trump mounts
Ukraine to Resume Strikes on Russia’s Refineries
Healfromzero.com – Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in London, signaling that Kyiv no longer intends to follow pressure from Washington to avoid attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” Zelensky said. His comments come as tensions between Kyiv and US President Donald Trump become increasingly public over intelligence cooperation, satellite services and energy policy.
Refinery strikes and the energy dispute
Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia because Kyiv views refinery attacks as a way to increase the cost of Moscow’s invasion and disrupt resources that can support Russia’s military effort. Ukraine and Russia have both intensified aerial operations against energy-related targets as fighting along many parts of the front has shown limited movement.
Washington had warned Ukraine and its European allies that intelligence cooperation and European purchases of US weapons for Kyiv could be affected if long-range attacks on Russian energy facilities continued. The warning reflected US concerns about fuel prices and the wider consequences of attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
Trump said last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to provide diesel fuel to markets while the US administration worked to lower energy costs. The arrangement drew criticism in the United States and concern among European partners, who see Russian energy exports as closely tied to the war in Ukraine.
Russian forces launched new attacks on Ukraine on Monday, hours after Trump said an “energy ceasefire” was in place. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv had publicly confirmed such an agreement.
Zelensky criticizes Trump’s approach
Zelensky argued that neutrality should not treat the country that launched the invasion and the country under attack as equivalent. In an interview with Piers Morgan, he said “Yes” when asked whether he believed the Trump administration had betrayed Ukraine.
“This is our country, our body, our home, our children… That’s why it’s painful when Trump chooses one side.”
He described the diesel arrangement as a “simple victory” for the Kremlin and said Russia wanted Trump to be weak. Zelensky also expressed regret over what he saw as the loss of a powerful partner for Ukraine.
Intelligence and satellite concerns
The dispute over Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia extends beyond refineries. Zelensky said Ukrainian military officials were told by US counterparts that intelligence support could be blocked if Kyiv did not halt attacks on energy facilities.
US intelligence is important to Ukraine’s defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks because it can help identify launch locations and provide information about possible trajectories, targets and timing. A disruption could leave Ukrainian forces and civilians with less warning time.
US officials, including Trump, later said intelligence sharing had continued. Ukrainian officials who sought an explanation for missed missile warnings were told that weather conditions were responsible, though Ukrainian and European officials questioned whether the lack of alerts was accidental.
Ukraine has also faced restrictions affecting Starshield, the military-oriented version of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network used in the country. Reliable satellite connectivity supports communication, coordination and operations across a large battlefield, making any interruption a serious operational concern.
FAQ: What does this mean for Ukraine?
Why are Russian refineries important targets?
Kyiv believes refinery strikes can disrupt energy resources that support Russia’s war effort and raise the cost of the invasion for Moscow.
Why does US intelligence matter to Ukraine?
Intelligence can help Ukraine detect and respond to Russian ballistic missile launches. Reduced access could mean less time for military forces and civilians to prepare for attacks.
What is the main concern over satellite restrictions?
Military satellite connectivity helps Ukrainian units communicate and coordinate. Limits on those services can complicate defensive operations while Russian attacks continue.
