MWE Correspondent
U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, describing the strikes as a “disgrace” and accusing Kyiv of contributing to higher global oil prices.
Speaking in an interview with the U.S. broadcaster Newsmax, Trump argued that targeting facilities producing diesel fuel could worsen pressure on international energy markets at a time when fuel supplies and prices remain a major concern.
“If you tell me that Zelensky is again shooting at refineries, all he’s doing is making oil prices higher,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine had other potential military targets.
Trump also questioned Zelensky’s commitment to reaching a negotiated settlement with Moscow, suggesting that a change in Ukraine’s leadership might be necessary to help bring the war to an end.
The American president further cited comments from a Ukrainian woman who blamed Zelensky for the country’s suffering, quoting her as saying: “President Zelensky has destroyed our country.”
The remarks reflect growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over the conduct of the war, energy security and the conditions required for a ceasefire.
The latest disagreement follows the collapse of a temporary pause in attacks on energy infrastructure that Trump had announced as part of efforts to reduce hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil facilities after Zelensky said Kyiv would no longer observe the arrangement, arguing that Russia had continued striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite the proposed ceasefire.
On October 15, 2026, Ukraine struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, renewing the dispute over attacks on facilities that contribute to Russia’s fuel production and exports.
Moscow has continued its own attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including electricity facilities, with Russian strikes leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power in recent days, according to reports.
Kyiv maintains that any halt to attacks on energy infrastructure must be reciprocal, rather than requiring Ukraine to suspend its operations while Russian strikes continue.
Also Read:Texas Jail Officer Fired Over Inmate Photos
Trump’s criticism also comes amid a broader disagreement over Russian diesel supplies and measures intended to ease pressure on global fuel markets. His administration has pursued arrangements involving Russian diesel exports, a move that has drawn criticism from Zelensky, who argues that easing restrictions could provide Moscow with additional economic relief while the war continues.
Trump has repeatedly urged both sides to reach an agreement, but his latest comments indicate increasing frustration with Zelensky’s approach to negotiations. He has said he believes both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents want the war to end, while describing Zelensky as more difficult to negotiate with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky, meanwhile, has sought continued support from European leaders as uncertainty grows over Washington’s approach to the conflict. His recent diplomatic engagements in Brussels included talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other European officials.
The dispute highlights the challenge of reconciling military pressure on Russia with efforts to stabilise energy supplies and negotiate an end to the war.
While Trump argues that attacks on refineries risk worsening fuel prices, Ukraine considers strikes on Russian energy infrastructure part of its broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s capacity to sustain its military campaign.
Whether the two sides can agree on a reciprocal halt to attacks on energy facilities remains uncertain, as the conflict continues and diplomatic efforts face renewed obstacles.
