Donald Trump has strongly criticized Ukraine’s renewed drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, labeling the strikes “a disgrace” during an interview with Newsmax. The remarks mark a sharp increase in friction between Washington and Kyiv following the collapse of a contested energy ceasefire.
Dispute Over Energy Ceasefire and Global Oil Prices
Ukraine resumed military strikes targeting Russian refinery infrastructure after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv would not adhere to an energy truce announced by Trump, which neither combatant party had officially agreed to. Trump expressed frustration over the economic fallout, arguing that targeting diesel production damages global markets.
“All he’s doing is making the world oil price higher. Well, I think that’s a disgrace,” Trump said. “There are a lot of targets you can hit, but when you shoot at diesel refineries… he’s not doing a good service for the world.”
Trump also reiterated his personal frustration with the Ukrainian leadership, saying: “I find Zelenskyy to be more difficult to deal with than Putin.”
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Strained US-Ukraine Relations and Starlink Disruption
Tensions between the White House and Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks. Observers noted growing friction following Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel supplies ahead of the US midterms. Relations further deteriorated following sudden restrictions on Starlink satellite communications, which hampered Ukrainian drone operations and air defenses before service was reportedly restored.
European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine
As transatlantic relations strained, European leaders in Brussels reaffirmed their steadfast backing for Kyiv. Arriving at the European Council summit, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the European Union’s consistent support.
Key developments from European officials include:
- European Commission: President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed plans for a 22nd package of sanctions against Russia, stating that Moscow failed to respect any cessation of hostilities and continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
- European Council: President António Costa assured Zelenskyy of continued long-term military assistance and support along Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
- France and Poland: French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the vital need to supply Ukraine with self-defense resources, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a firm message of solidarity.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of deliberately undermining diplomatic efforts, even as Russian drone strikes continued to target energy facilities across Ukrainian cities, causing widespread civilian blackouts.