Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow continues attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, despite US warnings.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will continue long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries if Moscow does not halt its attacks on Ukrainian energy sites. This declaration follows a period of tension with the United States, which has pressured Kyiv to stop targeting Russian oil facilities amid rising global fuel prices.
According to a report by Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy said that Washington warned Kyiv it would cut off intelligence sharing if long-range strikes on Russian oil facilities continued. The Ukrainian president made these remarks in an interview with public broadcaster NPR. The US administration has linked the strikes to rising diesel prices, a key issue ahead of the US midterm elections.
The Guardian reported that the White House has also indicated it could turn off intelligence sharing unless Kyiv halts its long-range strikes. Additionally, the Financial Times noted that the US has threatened to stop the procurement system that provides Ukraine with weapons, which is paid for by European allies.
The dispute intensified after US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate "energy ceasefire." Zelenskyy said he learned of this announcement "through social (media)" and was "surprised" by the post, which appeared while Kyiv was being attacked by Russian drones.
"If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, we will respond," Zelenskyy said at the Warsaw Security Forum, according to The Guardian. He argued that the ceasefire was not agreed to by either side. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to confirm the agreement, stating only that "contacts are ongoing."
Zelenskyy rejected the notion that Ukrainian strikes were driving up fuel prices. "Everybody understands that the prices on diesel (don't) depend on our attacks on diesel in Russia. Everybody understands that it depends on the blocking (of the) Strait of Hormuz," he said, as reported by The Associated Press.
Despite Trump's announcement, Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched a "targeted attack" on a Kharkiv power station hours after the ceasefire announcement, plunging parts of Kyiv into darkness. He stated that Russia bombed six energy facilities on Monday, injuring 33 people.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to respect an energy ceasefire if Russia does the same. "If Russia wants us to stop our long-range strikes against its oil refineries and oil exports, then Russia must stop its strikes against our energy system and critical infrastructure. This is only fair," he said in a post on X, cited by NTD.
President Trump announced a decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports to help lower fuel prices. Zelenskyy criticized this move, arguing it would not bring down prices due to a lack of volume. "If Russia accounts for 2.2 percent of global diesel supplies, what impact can it have on the price?" he asked, according to NTD.
The decision drew criticism from both Republican and Democratic politicians, who pointed out that the deal violates a US law blocking Russian energy imports. Zelenskyy called the decision "weak" and said it would generate "billions" in extra revenue for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The resumption of strikes on Russian refineries signals a deepening rift between Kyiv and Washington over the strategy to end the war. While the US seeks to stabilize global energy markets and reduce domestic fuel costs, Ukraine argues that targeting Russian energy infrastructure is essential to weakening Moscow's ability to wage war. The conflict over intelligence sharing and weapons procurement highlights the fragility of the transatlantic alliance as the war enters its fifth year.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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