Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, accusing Washington of using critical military support to pressure Kyiv into ending its strikes against Russian energy facilities.
In an interview with the Financial Times while visiting London, Zelensky said Ukraine had limited the attacks for three days at the request of the United States. However, he argued that Russia had continued targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during that period.
Declaring that his government would no longer maintain the restriction under the current circumstances, Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to restart the operations.
Kyiv regards Russian oil infrastructure as a strategic target because energy exports provide Moscow with revenue that helps sustain its war effort.
Zelensky Accuses Washington of Using Intelligence as Leverage
The Ukrainian leader claimed that American officials had warned Kyiv that intelligence-sharing could be restricted if Ukraine continued striking Russian oil facilities.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian representatives were told that Washington would block intelligence if the attacks did not stop.
Such a move could have serious consequences for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The country’s armed forces rely on American intelligence and early-warning information to detect incoming Russian aerial attacks and organise air defences.
Zelensky also alleged that restrictions on Starlink satellite internet services were part of the pressure campaign. The system, operated by Elon Musk’s company, is widely used by Ukrainian forces to maintain communications during the war.
The Ukrainian president rejected suggestions that the reported slowdown was simply the result of a technical fault, telling the Financial Times that it reflected a deliberate decision.
Musk had appeared to dispute the technical-fault explanation, with Zelensky suggesting that the restrictions were connected to decisions by the Trump administration.
Dispute Over Trump’s Proposed Energy Ceasefire
The disagreement follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed energy ceasefire on Sunday. Zelensky had previously indicated that Ukraine would respect the arrangement if Russia also agreed to stop attacking energy infrastructure.
However, he accused Moscow of violating the proposed truce within hours of its announcement, claiming Russian strikes left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without electricity.
The Kremlin did not publicly confirm that it had accepted the arrangement, complicating efforts to establish whether a mutually agreed ceasefire was in place.
The dispute has therefore exposed a fundamental disagreement over the terms of the proposed pause in attacks, with Kyiv arguing that Ukraine should not be expected to restrain its operations while Russian strikes continue.
Zelensky Says More Patriot Missiles Could Change His Position
Despite his decision to resume attacks, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine could reconsider its approach if Washington provided additional Patriot air defence missiles.
The advanced American-made systems are important to Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russian missiles and protect cities, critical infrastructure and military positions.
His remarks suggest that Kyiv is seeking tangible security assistance in exchange for any further restrictions on operations against Russian oil facilities.
The position also highlights the difficult choices facing Ukraine as it tries to maintain pressure on Russia while depending on Western intelligence, weapons and communications technology to defend its territory.
Ukrainian President Says He Feels Betrayed by the US
Zelensky’s latest comments reflect a growing deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Washington.
During an interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday night, the Ukrainian president agreed that he felt betrayed by the United States following apparent moves to restrict elements of its support.
He also adopted a more confrontational tone towards Trump, arguing that the American president appeared to have an affinity for authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that he should be responsible for repairing relations between the two countries following the recent developments.
He insisted that Ukraine had not destroyed the relationship, placing the responsibility for the current tensions elsewhere.
Tensions Raise Questions Over Ukraine’s Dependence on US Support
The dispute underscores the extent to which Ukraine’s military operations depend on American assistance, from intelligence-sharing and air defence systems to satellite communications.
Any reduction in that support could make it harder for Ukrainian forces to anticipate Russian attacks, coordinate operations and protect critical infrastructure.
At the same time, Kyiv’s continued strikes on Russian oil facilities form part of its broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
With Zelensky threatening to resume the attacks unless Washington provides further air defence assistance, the disagreement risks deepening divisions between the two governments at a critical point in the conflict.
The central question now is whether Washington and Kyiv can reach an understanding over the proposed energy ceasefire, or whether their disagreement will lead to renewed attacks on energy infrastructure and further strain Ukraine’s relationship with its most important military supporter.
