Ukraine, Zelensky defies Trump with fresh refinery strikes as energy truce falters
Ukraine resumes refinery attacks
Ukraine struck a Rosneft refinery southeast of Moscow after Zelensky declared Kyiv was abandoning a ceasefire covering energy sites. The facility helps supply the Russian capital. Kyiv had suspended attacks on Russian refineries after Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop strikes on energy infrastructure. Trump had blamed Ukraine’s refinery attacks for raising global diesel prices.
Trump criticizes Zelensky’s decision
Trump said Ukraine’s renewed strikes could push global energy prices higher and called them a “disgrace,” according to his interview with Newsmax. He argued that diesel refineries serve a wider need for fuel.
Trump also said he was “not a big fan of Zelensky” and described him as more difficult to deal with than Vladimir Putin. In an interview with the Financial Times on Thursday, Zelensky said Ukraine’s patience with the energy ceasefire had run out.
Other developments in Ukraine
Ukrainian defence technology company SkyFall has developed an aerial medical evacuation drone over the past year. A demonstration used a weighted stretcher to simulate carrying a wounded soldier away from danger.
The report also said the United States was discussing denuclearization with Russia and China. Trump said he expected China to catch up with the United States within five years in nuclear capability.
Key points
- Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including a refinery southeast of Moscow.
- Zelensky said Kyiv was done supporting the energy ceasefire announced by Trump.
- Trump called the refinery strikes a disgrace and said they could raise global energy prices.
- SkyFall has developed a drone designed to evacuate wounded soldiers from battlefields.