Zelensky Vows More Oil Refinery Strikes in Russia Despite Trump Appeal
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will keep striking Russian refineries despite Trump's calls to spare energy targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kyiv will escalate strikes on Russian oil refineries, disregarding President Donald Trump's plea for restraint. Zelensky argued that attacks on Moscow's energy sector are a necessary response to Russian military advances against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
He stated, "We have to respond in any way we can, with their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war." This stance came after Trump publicly urged Ukraine to cease targeting Russian diesel supplies, claiming the attacks were contributing to fuel shortages and price hikes worldwide.
Despite Trump's appeal, Zelensky expressed no evidence of Russia's willingness for a ceasefire involving energy infrastructure or broader peace talks. Russia has intensified assaults on Kyiv, targeting energy and telecommunications assets, transportation networks, and bridges for the first time. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to targeting facilities that support Russia's war effort, emphasizing, "We will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects."
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