Zelensky Vows to Resume Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries as Tensions With Trump Over US Military Support Escalate

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, accusing the United States of pressuring Kyiv by threatening to restrict intelligence-sharing and alleging deliberate disruption of military satellite communications. The dispute has deepened tensions between Kyiv and Washington over an energy ceasefire, military support and efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky said Ukraine had paused strikes on Russian oil infrastructure for three days at Washington’s request. However, he accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without electricity. He argued that Ukraine should not be expected to maintain restraint while Russia continues targeting its power infrastructure.

Zelensky also claimed that US officials had warned Ukraine that intelligence-sharing could be suspended if the attacks continued. He further alleged that disruptions affecting Starlink, the satellite internet service used by Ukrainian forces, were deliberate rather than technical. US President Donald Trump denied halting intelligence-sharing, and the extent of any restrictions remains disputed.

The disagreement centres partly on the strategic importance of oil revenues to Russia’s war effort. Ukraine maintains that strikes on refineries can reduce Moscow’s ability to finance its military operations. Zelensky has also criticised a reported US-Russia arrangement involving 300,000 tonnes of diesel, arguing that commercial deals with Moscow could help sustain the Russian economy while Ukraine continues to face attacks.

The confrontation comes after repeated tensions between Trump and Zelensky over negotiations and the terms of a possible peace agreement. Their relationship deteriorated during a heated White House meeting in February 2025, although Kyiv has since sought to preserve US support. Zelensky insists that any settlement must provide meaningful security guarantees and prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to prepare for further attacks.

Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine could reconsider halting attacks on Russian oil infrastructure if Washington supplies additional Patriot air-defence missiles. The dispute highlights the difficult balance between military pressure, energy security and diplomacy, with any reduction in US support potentially affecting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Whether the latest confrontation leads to renewed negotiations or further escalation remains uncertain.