Ukraine’s Zelensky defies Trump with Russian refinery strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he felt betrayed by US President Donald Trump's diesel-supply deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal, announced by Trump on Sunday, surprised Ukraine, which was unaware of the arrangement. In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky said Ukraine would no longer abide by Trump's demands not to strike Russian oil refineries.

Zelensky described the deal as a "weak decision," claiming it would encourage Russia to prolong its four-and-a-half-year war against Ukraine. European allies of Ukraine also criticized the agreement. Trump claimed that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries were causing rising diesel prices and suggested it was time for Ukraine to have a new president.

Zelensky reiterated his stance on social media, calling for honesty from partners regarding the war. Earlier this week, Ukraine reported disruptions to a critical US satellite communications system, Starshield, which its army uses on the battlefield. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of derailing US peace efforts by resuming strikes against Russian oil refineries.