US President Donald Trump has labeled Ukraine's recent drone strikes on Russian oil refineries a "disgrace" during a Newsmax interview. The tension follows President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to resume attacks on Russian energy infrastructure after a disputed ceasefire.
The Ryazan refinery strike and the 5% throughput hit
A recent Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Ryazan region ignited a major fire at an oil refinery that accounts for nearly 5% of Russia's total oil refining throughput. This strike follows a period of relative calm in the energy sector, including a spectacular reignition of a fuel terminal in Rostov-on-Don that had been burning for five days. These strikes represent a tactical escalation by Kyiv to disrupt Moscow's economic engine, even as the US administration seeks to stabilize global energy markets.
The escalation has triggered immediate and violent retaliation from the Kremlin.. As the report says, Moscow responded to the refinery attack by obliterating a Ukrainian supermarket in the Odesa region, an attack that injured three people. additionally, a Russian drone strike in the city of Kharkiv killed three people and injured at least five others on Friday, highlighting the high human cost of the ongoing energy warfare.
Trump's demand for a new president and the Russian diesel deal
During a Newsmax interview, Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine requires a new leader, stating that while Ukrainians want a deal with Russia, "they are not going to do it with Zelensky." The US President's stance is deeply tied to domestic economic concerns, specifically the potential for Ukrainian strikes to drive up global energy prices. Trump has gone as far as to blame President Zelensky, rather than Vladimir Putin, for the destruction of Ukraine.
This political pressure is linked to a controversial US strategy involving a deal with Moscow to purchase hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian diesel. According to the report, Washington has pressured Kyiv to maintain a moratorium on energy strikes to help bring down American fuel prices. Zelensky has vehemently condemned this potential arrangement, arguing that such a deal would provide Russia with the resources necessary to prolong its invasion.
Starlink restrictions and the White House intelligence gap
President Zelensky has raised alarms regarding a sudden weakening of US-provided support,specifically citing the cutting of intelligence sharing and the slowing of Starlink satellite internet services. In an interview with the Financial Times , Zelensky argued that these restrictions are dangerous for civilians and interfere with critical frontline operations. He noted that the reduction in Starlink's capabilities has hampered medium-range strikes against Russian military sites.
The source of these technical and intelligence limitations is a point of significant contention. According to Reuters, two US officials and a Western official briefed on the matter indicated that the order to limit the Starlink system—which is vital for Ukrainian drone operations—originated from within the White House. This development suggests a direct involvement of the US administration in shaping the tactical limitations of the Ukrainian military.
The disputed Sunday ceasefire and the unverified US-Russia energy deal
Several critical questions remain regarding the recent diplomatic maneuvering between Washington and Kyiv. First, it remains unverified how the "surprise energy ceasefire" announced by Trump on Sunday could be valid if Zelensky claims the agreement was entirely "news to him." This discrepancy raises questions about whether a deal was struck between the US and Russia without the consent of the Ukrainian government.
Furthermore, the true extent of the US involvement in restricting Starlink and intelligence sharing remains an unconfirmed but serious allegation. finally, the long-term impact of the proposed US deal to buy Russian diesel on the stability of the conflict remains unknown. whether the US will prioritize American fuel prices over Ukrainian sovereignty is a question that currently lacks a clear answer.
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