Zelenskyy Defies Trump, Resumes Strikes on Russian Refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine will resume attacks on Russian oil refineries despite pressure from the U.S. Trump administration.

In an interview with the British daily Financial Times (FT) released on the 14th (local time), President Zelenskyy stated, "The restrictions on attacking (Russian) refineries have been lifted. It is over now."

Zelenskyy claimed that although Ukraine had suspended its attacks on Russian energy facilities after U.S. President Trump mentioned an "energy truce," Russia continued its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of over 100 Ukrainian civilians over the past week.

He also warned that if Ukraine halts its attacks on Russian energy facilities, it risks encouraging the United States and Russia to strike further deals.

Zelenskyy noted that such deals could end up funding Putin's war, adding, "The question is when the next deal will take place. Maybe it will be gas. It will definitely be gas."

Regarding the sharp chill in relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, he insisted that it was not his fault.

"We did not destroy any relationships," Zelenskyy said. Asked whether Ukraine would be willing to halt its attacks on Russian energy facilities to restore ties with the Trump administration, he replied that it would only do so if it receives more Patriot interceptor missiles from the U.S.

In addition, Zelenskyy claimed that while he asked the U.S. to strengthen Ukraine's air defense network, the U.S. responded by instead weakening the satellite internet service Starlink.

With Starshield, the military-grade package for Starlink, recently facing a speed limit of 100 mph (approx. 160 km/h), the Ukrainian military is currently on high alert.

Dismissing the possibility that the Starshield disruptions were caused by a simple technical glitch, Zelenskyy argued, "It is not a technical problem, but an intentional decision (by the U.S. side)."

He also strongly criticized the Trump administration for making deals with Russia and what he perceived as President Trump's overt display of affection toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy claimed that President Trump feels a visceral affinity for authoritarian leaders and the ultra-wealthy, stating, "He publicly says he likes and respects such figures. To him, someone who rules as a leader for 20, 30, or 40 years means a very strong person."

He also repeatedly expressed displeasure over President Trump calling for his resignation.

Such demands for his resignation "do not matter to me," he said, adding, "Divisions between Europe and the United States, or between Ukraine and the United States, help Putin rally Russians. It makes him feel like he is winning."

Furthermore, Zelenskyy emphasized that while it would be "very difficult" to continue the war without the United States, Europe could grow stronger against Russia if it remains solidly united.

However, he expressed concern that Ukraine could face "many challenges" as European nations hold consecutive elections over the next year and pro-Russian parties potentially make gains.

The interview took place at an undisclosed location in London after Zelenskyy held successive meetings in the UK with King Charles III and Prime Andy Burnham.

On the 15th, he is scheduled to urge European Union (EU) leaders in Brussels, Belgium, to implement strong additional EU sanctions against Russia and promptly disburse funds to Ukraine.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.