Zelensky Resumes Refinery Strikes, Citing 'Betrayal' Amidst US-Ukraine Tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resumed drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, stating he will no longer comply with U.S. requests for a moratorium on such strikes. Zelensky cited a perceived "betrayal" by former President Donald Trump and expressed concern over a reduction in U.S. intelligence sharing and a slowdown of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, which he claims is dangerous for civilians.

"The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We're done," Zelensky declared in an interview with the Financial Times. This decision follows a three-day pause in energy facility strikes intended to align with U.S. wishes. Ukraine has now targeted an oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan region and a fuel terminal in Rostov-on-Don. Zelensky stated that Putin continues to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure, making the pause untenable.

Zelensky also criticized Trump's apparent admiration for leaders with long tenures, suggesting an affinity for autocrats. He pointed to Trump's recent statements demanding Zelensky's resignation and his alleged deal to purchase Russian diesel as actions that align him with Putin. Washington had previously pressured Kyiv to halt refinery strikes, arguing that a moratorium, coupled with a U.S. deal to purchase Russian diesel, would help lower American fuel prices.

Despite Ukraine's adherence to the energy ceasefire, Zelensky reported that his military was deprived of U.S. early-warning alerts for incoming ballistic missiles. He also noted the slowdown of Starlink services, which he claims has hampered frontline operations and strikes against Russian military sites. Zelensky asserted that the intelligence cutoff was not a technical issue but a deliberate action, a claim the U.S. president has denied.

Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink, commented on X, formerly Twitter, that the Starshield systems, a military-grade network based on Starlink, are controlled by the U.S. government. He stated that any limitations on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and the President. Musk subsequently wrote, "And so the slaughter continues. Time for Zelensky to go."

The tensions arise as U.S. officials have proposed that European nations unfreeze some Russian sovereign assets to potentially revive peace talks. European delegates reportedly rejected this plan, which was presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.

Zelensky emphasized the critical importance of the U.S. relationship for Ukraine's fight against Moscow, comparing it to Kyiv's ties with Britain. He warned that division between Ukraine and the United States, or among European allies, benefits Putin. "Russia can fight... all of us but only when we are not together," Zelensky said.

He indicated that halting energy strikes would only encourage further U.S.-Russia deals, potentially increasing funds for Russia's war effort. Zelensky also suggested that Trump's actions could face public backlash in the U.S., questioning the political feasibility of business dealings with Russia while war rages in Ukraine.

Zelensky was in London for discussions with King Charles and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and was scheduled to address EU leaders in Brussels regarding sanctions and financial aid for Ukraine. He acknowledged that fighting without Washington's support would be difficult and that European unity is crucial, particularly in light of upcoming elections across Europe that could bring challenges for Kyiv if pro-Kremlin parties gain influence.