Zelensky Vows to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries following renewed Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, declaring an end to Kyiv’s pause on targeting the facilities. In an interview published by the Financial Times on Thursday, Zelensky said, “The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We’re done.” The development comes after US President Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” last week, although the arrangement was never publicly confirmed and Russia continued striking Ukrainian energy facilities. Russia on Thursday accused Ukraine of attacking an oil refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has increasingly targeted facilities inside Russian territory, describing such operations as retaliation for attacks on its own infrastructure. Trump had criticised Ukraine’s refinery strikes, particularly after reaching a diesel deal with Moscow, and had ordered Kyiv to stop targeting the facilities. Zelensky said Ukraine observed a pause lasting several days despite Russian claims, which Kyiv denied, that Ukrainian forces attempted attacks during that period.
Zelensky also alleged that Ukraine’s access to key US military capabilities and intelligence had been restricted despite its decision to pause the strikes. He said the Starshield satellite network, built on Starlink technology and used by militaries, had been slowed on Wednesday, insisting the move was deliberate rather than a technical problem. The Ukrainian president warned that cutting off intelligence cooperation would be dangerous for Kyiv, which relies on early warnings to protect its cities from Russian air attacks. Concerns about Washington reducing intelligence support have persisted since an earlier public confrontation between Trump and Zelensky, after which Ukraine sought to repair relations with the US administration. In the interview, Zelensky also commented on Trump’s remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Trump had openly expressed admiration and respect for leaders who remain in power for decades. The latest comments highlight continuing tensions over Washington’s approach to the war as Ukraine seeks to maintain military and intelligence support while responding to Russian attacks.
#UTVAfrica#
