Zelensky-Trump rift deepens as Ukraine vows to resume strikes on Russian refineries

A dispute over Russian fuel, military support and attacks on energy infrastructure has deepened the rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, with Kyiv signaling it will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Speaking to Piers Morgan on Wednesday, Zelensky acknowledged feeling betrayed following Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports and his suggestion that Ukraine should replace its president. Zelensky said he could accept Washington acting as a mediator, but questioned whether Trump was maintaining that position.

“It’s painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side,” Zelensky said. Asked whether he felt betrayed, he replied: “Really, yes.”

The disagreement also carries military consequences. In an interview published Thursday by the Financial Times, Zelensky said Ukraine would restart attacks on Russian refineries after a three-day pause during which, he said, Moscow continued striking Ukrainian targets.

“The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done,” he told the newspaper. He also criticized Washington’s pursuit of business agreements with Moscow and Trump’s apparent admiration for Vladimir Putin.

Trump has presented his Russian diesel agreement as an effort to lower fuel costs ahead of the US midterm elections. Kyiv fears the arrangement will benefit Moscow while Washington pressures Ukraine to curb its own attacks. The administration has warned that continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities could jeopardize intelligence cooperation and European purchases of American weapons for Kyiv, CNN reported.

The two governments also disagree over Trump’s announced halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky said Monday that Ukraine was willing to observe a reciprocal pause, but accused Russia of continuing its strikes. Trump maintained that an agreement existed and said there had been violations on both sides.

Adding to the tensions, Zelensky has complained about missing missile-warning intelligence and disruptions to satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. Trump has denied stopping intelligence sharing, leaving the allies publicly at odds over both diplomatic strategy and the support Ukraine receives on the battlefield.