Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries after a brief pause, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as tensions with Washington grow over energy strikes and military support.
Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Financial Times in an interview published on Thursday.
Zelenskyy said a temporary halt to attacks on Russian energy infrastructure had ended. Ukraine had paused such strikes for two days following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire, according to the Ukrainian leader.
The decision comes amid growing disagreements between Kyiv and Washington over the war, energy supplies and the conditions for continued US support.
Dispute over energy attacks
Trump has criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. He also announced a diesel supply deal with Russia, saying it could help ease pressure on fuel prices that have risen during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Zelenskyy criticised Washington’s willingness to pursue business arrangements with Moscow. He also said Ukraine had not received US early-warning alerts for incoming ballistic missiles and that disruptions to Starlink satellite communications had hampered Ukrainian military operations.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian military officials had been warned that intelligence sharing could be restricted if attacks on energy infrastructure continued. He rejected the suggestion that the reported technical problems were simply accidental.
These claims have not been independently established in the interview itself.
Kyiv seeks stronger military support
Zelenskyy said Ukraine could consider halting energy strikes again if the move were accompanied by additional US-made Patriot air-defence interceptors. He described such support as the minimum acceptable condition.
The renewed attacks could complicate diplomatic efforts to limit strikes on energy infrastructure. They also underline the difficulties facing Ukraine as it seeks to defend its territory while maintaining support from its Western partners.
The latest developments come as European leaders meet in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine and the wider security situation.
