‘We are done’: Zelensky defies Trump, says Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries

Kyiv, Oct 15 — Ukraine has decided to ignore US President Donald Trump's plea not to target Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in remarks published today, as tensions between the two leaders escalate over a US-Russia diesel supply deal. Ukrainian President Zelensky referred to the agreement as a "weak decision," stating that it would encourage Russia to prolong the ongoing four-and-a-half-year war with Ukraine, while European allies criticized the deal.

Responding to the backlash on Saturday, Trump blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising diesel prices and called for a new president in Ukraine. Zelensky told the Financial Times that the ceasefire on attacking refineries is now "out." Trump announced a surprise "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday, which Zelensky claimed he was unaware of.

Additionally, Ukraine reported disruptions to a crucial US satellite communications system called Starshield, which the Ukrainian army uses on the battlefield. Zelensky urged honesty from his partners about the war on social media. In a recent interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelensky expressed feeling "betrayed" by Trump's deal with Russia's Vladimir Putin and questioned the advice he was receiving, as senior Ukrainian officials openly accused the US of aiding Russia.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, it has targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing energy and heating shortages. Ukraine has retaliated by attacking Russian oil refineries, which it claims fund the war. Trump's recent political clashes, including his involvement in Iran's war, have contributed to oil supply issues and price spikes, challenging his Republican Party ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Russia accused Ukraine of disrupting US peace efforts by continuing its strikes on oil refineries, claiming a recent attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to launch strikes against these facilities, causing strain on US-Ukraine relations.