Trump pressured Ukraine to unilaterally halt strikes on Russian oil refineries – Axios

Axios has reported that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have been effective in causing an energy crisis in Russia. In response, Russia imposed sanctions on diesel fuel exports, intensifying pressure on global markets already disrupted by the war in Iran. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed this with Trump and his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, he proposed halting the strikes if Russia ceased attacking Ukrainian power plants.

Trump, however, insisted that Ukraine halt the strikes unilaterally as they were contributing to higher gasoline prices in the United States. The White House chief did not view strikes on Russian oil refineries as equivalent to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Following the talks, Zelensky deemed the deal "not fair and not honest" and an unjustified gift to Putin.

Witkoff and Kushner reportedly threatened to cut off Ukraine from U.S. intelligence if it continued ignoring his requests. During the discussions, they presented a package of measures for Ukraine's postwar period, including financial support for reconstruction and military development, and proposals to address the budget deficit.

The U.S. officials also discussed a roadmap for Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO, and the possibility of establishing a postwar security system between Europe and Russia. U.S. officials hope these agreements will help lower energy prices and encourage Moscow to make concessions in peace talks. However, it is unclear how the dispute over the strikes will impact their plans for potential peace proposals.