Trump calls renewed Ukraine attacks on Russian refineries 'a disgrace'

In a recent interview, US President Donald Trump branded Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian oil refineries as a "disgrace," claiming it was driving up global energy prices. The 80-year-old president criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that he was less inclined than Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek a compromise to end the ongoing conflict. Trump expressed hope that the war would conclude soon, suggesting that both leaders desired such an outcome.

The situation unfolded amid deteriorating relations between Trump and Zelensky. Zelensky recently met with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Brussels and held bilateral discussions with European leaders. He had previously informed The Financial Times that the suspension of strikes against Russian refineries was a result of Moscow's failure to comply with the ceasefire announced by Trump, which specifically targeted energy infrastructure.

According to Trump, Putin is more open to reaching a deal compared to Zelensky. Tensions further escalated as Ukraine accused Russia of violating an energy ceasefire, leading to the deaths of 21 individuals in a diesel-related incident. Trump called for Zelensky's replacement in light of the ongoing sanctions dispute, alleging that Russia and Ukraine had previously agreed to an energy ceasefire, but Moscow had remained silent on the matter.