Washington Demands Halt to Strikes on Russian Refineries While Zelensky Vows to Persist

US Calls for an End to Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries

According to ХВИЛЯ: The White House has delivered a firm directive to Kyiv, urging a stop to strikes targeting Russian oil refineries. This was disclosed by a senior Ukrainian official and confirmed by Deutsche Welle’s correspondent in the United States, Misha Komadovsky. During a meeting in Miami, Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, raised concerns about potentially suspending intelligence sharing with Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, Ukraine has been leveraging US intelligence to carry out attacks on refineries, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s war economy by cutting off a vital revenue stream.

In an interview with Axios, a US official denied that any threats were made, explaining that the envoys simply reiterated the continued provision of ammunition and intelligence support to Ukraine. Steve Witkoff described the talks with the Ukrainian delegation as constructive. Discussions focused on short-term winter preparations, security guarantees, and measures to ensure Ukraine’s safety. Although the Miami talks were scheduled for two days, they concluded ahead of time. US representatives plan to engage in talks with Russia following their discussions with Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Response to US Pressure

On the eve of the Miami meeting, Donald Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel fuel to the US and global markets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized this move as a sign of weakness. A high-ranking Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Kyiv would persist with its attacks on Russian refineries, declaring:

“We will continue to burn Russian refineries,” the official stated.

That same evening, Ukrainian drones struck an oil and fuel terminal in Rostov-on-Don.

This situation highlights growing tensions between the US and Ukraine over military tactics in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Washington’s demand may reflect an effort to de-escalate the conflict, yet Ukraine remains determined to maintain pressure through continued strikes, underscoring its resolve to resist Russian aggression. The early end to the Miami talks, coupled with the US’s upcoming engagement with Russia, could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and Ukraine’s strategic approach moving forward.

As tensions escalate over the impact of Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, it's important to understand the broader implications of these actions on global energy markets. Recent discussions have highlighted concerns about rising diesel prices, prompting Trump's urging for a ceasefire in such attacks. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between military strategy and economic consequences in the ongoing conflict.