Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries, Zelensky tells FT, as frustration with Trump mounts

Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries, Zelensky says

Earthguardiansonline.com – Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries after restrictions on attacks against those targets were lifted, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview in London. His remarks underscored growing tension with US President Donald Trump over Kyiv’s approach to defending itself against Russia’s invasion.

“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” Zelensky said.

The comments came as Trump has urged Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refining infrastructure while seeking lower energy prices ahead of the midterm elections. Trump recently announced an agreement to buy Russian diesel, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to supply fuel to markets.

Fuel agreement draws criticism

The diesel arrangement prompted criticism in the United States and concern among European partners. Zelensky described the deal as beneficial to Moscow and said it added to fears that Washington was becoming less firmly aligned with Ukraine.

During an appearance on Piers Morgan’s YouTube program on Wednesday, Zelensky was asked whether he believed the Trump administration had betrayed Ukraine. “Yes,” he replied, calling the diesel agreement a “simple victory” for the Kremlin.

“It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky argued that neutrality cannot mean placing Russia and Ukraine on the same moral footing. He said the war is deeply personal for Ukrainians, whose homes, families and communities remain under threat from repeated Russian attacks.

“If you’re in the middle, you have to stay in the middle. Not on the wrong side,” Zelensky said. “This is not the right side of history.”

Intelligence and communications concerns

The dispute over whether Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s energy sites has also raised worries about intelligence sharing. Zelensky said Ukrainian military officials were told by US counterparts that intelligence support could be blocked if Kyiv continued energy-related attacks.

“If you will not stop [the energy strikes], we will block intelligence,” Zelensky said the officials were told.

US intelligence plays an important role in Ukraine’s defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Information about launcher locations, possible targets and launch timing can help Ukrainian forces prepare interceptors, alert civilians and protect military positions.

Trump administration officials later said intelligence sharing had continued. Ukrainian officials, however, questioned why missile warnings appeared to be missing during a period of intensified Russian attacks. US officials cited weather conditions, an explanation questioned by Ukrainian and European officials.

Ukraine’s operational pressure increased when Ukrainian authorities said some Starlink services had been restricted. The affected system was Starshield, the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s satellite internet network. Officials said the disruption affected important operations and caught Ukrainian authorities by surprise.

Energy infrastructure remains a key target

Ukraine to resume strikes on Russia’s refineries as both countries intensify aerial attacks on energy facilities while the front line shows limited movement. Refineries are strategically important because they turn crude oil into fuel products, including diesel and gasoline, which can support military activity and generate revenue.

Zelensky said Russian forces were trying to exploit interruptions to Ukrainian communications with heavy attacks. Reliable satellite connectivity is particularly important in a conflict where units often operate far from fixed infrastructure and must rapidly share battlefield information.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Russian refineries important to Ukraine’s strategy?

Refineries process crude oil into fuel products used by civilian markets and military systems. Attacks on those sites can disrupt production, place pressure on supply chains and affect revenue linked to Russia’s energy sector.

What does intelligence sharing mean for Ukraine?

Intelligence can help Ukraine identify potential missile threats and prepare defenses. Timely information may support interceptor deployment, civilian warnings and protection of military assets.

Why does satellite internet matter in the war?

Satellite connectivity can support communications when fixed networks are unavailable or damaged. Restrictions may complicate coordination between units and slow the transmission of battlefield information.