US President Donald Trump has described Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as a "disgrace", while reiterating his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This follows the collapse of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine resumed its strikes on Russian oil refineries after President Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv was abandoning a ceasefire. This ceasefire had been abruptly declared by Trump last week, though neither Russia nor Ukraine had stated their agreement to it.
President Trump told Newsmax that Ukraine's actions were making world oil prices higher. He added, "There are a lot of targets you can hit, but when you shoot at diesel refineries where you make, you know, diesel oil, and we need that, and the world needs that, then he’s not doing a good service for the world."
Relations between Kyiv and Washington have reportedly become strained since last week, when Trump eased sanctions on Russia in exchange for increased diesel supplies to global markets. President Zelenskyy criticised this agreement, which was widely seen as an attempt to reduce fuel prices ahead of the US midterm election.
Further tension arose this week when Ukraine reported restrictions on Starlink services, which reportedly hindered Ukrainian drone strike missions and air defences. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, had assured him the vital satellite communications system had been restored, though the cause of the disruption was unclear.
Amid concerns about long-term US commitment, European leaders have expressed support for Zelenskyy. French President Emmanuel Macron stated it was "crucial" for Ukraine to receive "all the means necessary to protect itself," and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted online, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE."
The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of derailing US peace efforts by resuming its refinery strikes. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy said that the Kremlin had "launched yet another vile drone strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure" in Lutsk, causing blackouts.