The US has asked Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries about six times - WSJ
The administration of US President Donald Trump has asked Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries about six times. The American president is increasingly dissatisfied that Kyiv continues to attack the energy infrastructure of the Russian Federation, as he believes this could lead to higher fuel prices for American consumers.
The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
According to the publication, Trump raised the issue of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in New York in mid-September. Since then, the American side has asked Kyiv about six times to stop attacks on Russian oil refining infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials responded that they are ready to agree to a mutual cessation of strikes on energy facilities. However, Russia refused such an agreement, so Ukraine continued to attack Russian refineries.
According to WSJ sources, over the following weeks, Trump's attitude toward Zelensky deteriorated increasingly. The American president was irritated that Ukraine, in his assessment, uses US resources for strikes on Russian energy, which could negatively affect American consumers.
Ukrainian attacks became an important part of the strategy to reduce Russian revenues from oil product sales. According to analysts cited by WSJ, the strikes took out 40% to 50% of Russia's oil refining capacity.
At the same time, energy analysts link the rise in world energy prices, especially diesel fuel, primarily to the war against Iran, not to Ukrainian attacks.
Against the backdrop of these disagreements, Trump suggested resuming purchases of Russian diesel fuel. Representatives of the American administration explain this initiative by a desire to lower fuel prices in the US and create an economic incentive for Vladimir Putin to return to peace negotiations.
Ukrainian and European officials, on the other hand, believe that easing sanctions and additional revenues from oil product exports will allow Moscow to replenish its military budget and continue hostilities.
After Trump announced an energy ceasefire, Ukraine temporarily suspended strikes on Russian refineries. However, on October 15, Zelensky reported resuming attacks after a three-day pause, during which Russia continued to shell Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
According to WSJ, the deterioration of relations between Washington and Kyiv also was accompanied by warnings about possible restrictions on American intelligence support and arms sales to Ukraine. However, US administration officials deny that such threats were made.
Based on materials from: The Wall Street Journal