NRT briefing
Zelensky defies Trump, says Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that Ukraine would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, defying President Trump's call for a moratorium on such attacks. "The block is out. We're done," Zelensky told the Financial Times during a visit to London, shortly after Ukraine complied with a three-day cease-fire while Russia continued to launch over 100 attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Trump had requested the moratorium after announcing a deal to purchase 2.25 million barrels of diesel from Russia. Zelensky criticized the deal, saying it looks like a "happy birthday present" for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine's decision came after Kyiv's access to the Starshield military satellite network was disrupted, which Ukraine uses to track and intercept high-speed attacks. Zelensky accused the US of threatening to block intelligence if Ukraine did not stop the strikes. White House sources told The Post that Putin understood the cease-fire only covered oil refineries, not power plants, and suggested Zelensky was expanding the interpretation to claim Russia broke it.
Trump denied cutting off intelligence sharing, and a senior US official also denied restricting access. Starshield access was restored by Thursday morning, according to Ukrainian officials. Zelensky also criticized Trump's affinity for autocrats, saying Trump "loves such people and respects such people."
The Trump administration maintains that its current strategy, including the diesel deal, is the best way to secure peace in Ukraine, though experts remain doubtful.