Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his intention to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, ending a temporary pause that was reportedly requested by the United States. The announcement came hours before Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil production facility in the Ryazan region, marking a significant escalation amid ongoing tensions over Western support and intelligence sharing.
In a pointed interview, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over what he described as a “dangerous” reduction in US intelligence assistance and disruptions to Starlink satellite internet services, which have been crucial for Ukrainian military communications. He accused Washington of weakening Kyiv’s defensive capabilities at a critical juncture, suggesting that limitations placed on Starlink’s speed and the suspension of early-warning alerts for missile attacks were politically motivated rather than technical issues.
Zelenskyy specifically criticized former US President Donald Trump, characterizing him as having an affinity for autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin. He said Trump openly admires figures who have maintained power for decades, implying this admiration influenced Washington’s recent approach to the conflict. Zelenskyy also condemned what he described as Washington’s willingness to pursue commercial deals with Moscow, including a recent US agreement to purchase large quantities of Russian diesel, which he argued undermines efforts to pressure Russia economically.
The United States had reportedly pressured Kyiv to impose a moratorium on strikes against Russian refineries, a move linked to efforts aimed at stabilizing global fuel prices, particularly in the US. Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine paused these attacks for three days to comply with US requests, despite ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties exceeding 100 in the past week.
Following Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes, Pavel Malkov, governor of the Ryazan province, confirmed a fire at a Rosneft-owned refinery caused by Ukrainian drones. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russian forces struck a gas production facility east of Kyiv, halting operations there.
The apparent fallout in US-Ukraine relations has drawn concern from European leaders, who are expected to meet Zelenskyy in Brussels. Officials indicated they would urge the Ukrainian president to moderate his criticism of the US to avoid further straining a vital alliance. Although the United States no longer provides direct financial aid, its intelligence support and military assistance remain crucial for Ukraine’s defense.
Elon Musk, whose Starlink service has supported Ukraine’s communications since the invasion, noted on social media that restrictions on the military-grade Starshield satellite system, derived from Starlink technology, are controlled by the US government and ultimately subject to presidential authority.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine views the US as a key strategic partner in the war against Russia, comparing the relationship to Ukraine’s cooperation with the United Kingdom. He insisted Kyiv had not damaged ties with Washington and that it was not his responsibility alone to repair the relationship.
The Ukrainian president set a condition for halting energy strikes, demanding additional Patriot missile defense systems from the US to protect against Russian attacks. He warned that stopping the strikes without receiving these defenses could encourage more US-Russia energy deals, potentially funding Russia’s military efforts further.
As Zelenskyy prepares to address EU leaders, he called for stronger sanctions against Russia and expedited release of EU financial aid for Ukraine’s war effort. He also highlighted the challenges posed by upcoming elections across Europe, which could empower pro-Russian parties, complicating international support for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted Moscow’s intent to seek the return of frozen Russian assets, amidst discussions in Western capitals about the handling and potential use of these funds post-conflict — a contentious issue with divergent views, particularly between the United States and European countries.