Zelensky rejects Trump's demand to halt Russian refinery strikes
Zelensky said he will no longer follow Trump's demand to stop striking Russian oil refineries.
Zelensky told The Financial Times he will no longer follow Trump's demand to stop striking Russian oil refineries. The pause came after Trump said he made a deal to import Russian diesel fuel to the US.
Ukraine said this would fund Moscow's war effort. Tensions grew when Trump declared a one-sided energy ceasefire.
He also called for Zelensky to be replaced. Ukraine reported it lost access to military-grade Starlink communications.
The Pentagon had been funding them. Zelensky said US military officials threatened to hold back intelligence.
This would happen if Ukraine didn't stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. European leaders in Brussels mostly backed his decision to resume strikes.
Estonia's Prime Minister said the move was needed to cut off money to Russia's war effort. Bulgaria's leader opposed any refinery strikes.
- Import Russian diesel fuel to US
- Trump's deal
- Military-grade Starlink access
- Communication loss
Why it mattersUkraine is risking a key supporter by openly opposing Trump. It believes defending its war effort matters more than keeping Washington's backing.
AustraliaAustralia's diplomatic alignment with the US may face tension as Ukraine pursues a different strategic path on energy and military tactics.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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