Zelensky Vows to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries Amid Growing Tensions With Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, accusing the United States of putting pressure on Kyiv to halt strikes on Moscow’s energy infrastructure amid growing tensions with President Donald Trump.

“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” Zelensky told the Financial Times in an interview in London, expressing frustration over what he described as a dangerous reduction in US intelligence sharing and restrictions on the Starlink satellite internet service used by Ukrainian forces.

His remarks highlight the deteriorating relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump, whose administration has pushed Kyiv to stop attacks on Russian energy facilities as Washington seeks to lower fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.

The tensions have intensified following Trump’s announcement of a controversial arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies and reports that some Starlink services used by Ukraine’s military had been restricted.

According to the Financial Times, Zelensky said Ukrainian military officials had been warned by their US counterparts that intelligence sharing could be suspended if Kyiv continued striking Russian energy infrastructure.

He also criticised Trump’s willingness to pursue business arrangements with Moscow and what he viewed as the US president’s favourable attitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky Accuses Trump of Favouring Moscow

In a separate interview with British media personality Piers Morgan on the YouTube programme Piers Morgan Uncensored, Zelensky expressed anger over the reported fuel deal between Washington and Moscow

Asked whether he felt betrayed by the Trump administration, Zelensky replied, “Yes,” describing the agreement as a “simple victory” for the Kremlin.

“It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” he said during Wednesday’s interview.

Trump said last week that Putin had agreed to supply markets with Russian diesel fuel as the US administration works to reduce energy costs ahead of the midterm elections. The announcement drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans and angered European allies.

Zelensky also criticised what he sees as Washington’s failure to maintain a balanced position in the conflict.

“This is our country, our body, our home, our children,” he said in a clip from the interview shared on X. “That’s why it’s painful when Trump chooses one side.”

“If you’re in the middle, you have to stay in the middle. Not on the wrong side,” Zelensky added, warning that the United States risked finding itself on the wrong side of history.

“Russia wants him (Trump) to be weak,” he said, adding that Moscow was not concerned about US elections.

The comments came as Russian and Ukrainian forces continued intensifying aerial attacks against each other’s energy infrastructure, while territorial changes on the battlefield remained relatively limited.

Concerns Over US Intelligence Sharing

The dispute has also raised concerns about the impact of any reduction in US intelligence support for Ukraine.

The Trump administration had warned Kyiv and its European allies that Washington could suspend intelligence sharing and halt European purchases of US weapons intended for Ukraine unless Kyiv stopped deep strikes against Russian energy facilities.

US intelligence has been crucial to Ukraine’s air defences, providing information about Russian missile launch sites, potential targets and incoming attacks.

In the days following the warnings, Trump administration officials, including the president, maintained that intelligence sharing with Ukraine was continuing.

However, Ukrainian officials raised concerns about an apparent lack of missile warnings. When Kyiv sought an explanation, US officials reportedly attributed the disruption to weather conditions.

A European official quoted by CNN questioned that explanation, while a Ukrainian official warned that the intelligence gap could give Russian forces a significant advantage on the battlefield.

The developments have heightened concerns in Kyiv and European capitals over the reliability of US military support at a critical stage of the war.

Starlink Restrictions Raise Alarm in Kyiv

Concerns over intelligence sharing have been compounded by restrictions affecting some satellite internet services used by Ukraine’s military.

Ukrainian officials said they had been caught off guard by limitations affecting Starshield, the military-oriented satellite communications system associated with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Zelensky told Morgan that Ukrainian forces relied on satellite connectivity to support defensive operations, including efforts to counter Russian Shahed drones.

“It’s a big mistake,” Zelensky said, warning that the decision could lead to significant casualties.

“My message (to Musk) is absolutely clear. I hope it’s a mistake, a huge technical problem. We’re asking (him) to switch on (the service),” he added.

Musk responded on Wednesday that Starshield systems were owned and controlled by the US government, meaning decisions regarding their speed and usage rested with the US military and president.

He distinguished Starshield from Starlink, a commercial service owned and operated by SpaceX, and said Starlink was restricted to civilian or defensive activities.

Musk argued that using the commercial service for offensive military operations would be inappropriate for a private company.

Zelensky Seeks European Support

Amid uncertainty over Washington’s commitment, Zelensky has stepped up efforts to secure continued backing from European leaders.

On Wednesday, he held separate meetings in London with British political leader Andy Burnham and King Charles as Ukraine faced another wave of Russian attacks.

According to Zelensky, Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes had left more than 600,000 people without electricity.

The latest developments underscore the growing uncertainty surrounding Ukraine’s access to critical military intelligence and satellite communications, as Kyiv prepares to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries and seeks stronger support from its European partners.

Source: CNN; Financial Times