Zelensky rejects refinery strike restraint amid US–Russia diesel deal dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview published on Thursday, October 15, that Ukraine would no longer follow US demands to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. His remarks came as a diesel supply agreement between Washington and Moscow deepened tensions with US President Donald Trump.

Trump eased sanctions on Russia last week in exchange for additional Russian diesel reaching international markets. Zelensky criticised the agreement, arguing that it would give Moscow an incentive to continue the war against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader said the restriction on refinery attacks no longer applied. His comments followed Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, an arrangement Zelensky subsequently said he had not known about.

On Saturday, Trump blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for higher diesel prices. He also suggested that Ukraine should have a different president, adding to the public disagreement between the two administrations.

In a separate interview on Wednesday, Zelensky agreed that he felt betrayed by the diesel agreement. He questioned the advice Trump was receiving and said Washington’s position was painful for Ukraine.

Ukraine also reported disruptions earlier in the week to an important US satellite communications system used by its armed forces. Zelensky appealed on social media on Thursday for greater honesty from his country’s partners about the war.

Trump, meanwhile, told reporters on Wednesday that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was more willing than Zelensky to reach an agreement. He said the two leaders needed to work towards ending the conflict.

Asked about allegations that Russia had already breached the proposed ceasefire, Trump said he was uncertain and would examine the matter. He also alleged violations by both sides, leaving the leaders publicly divided over the ceasefire and the conditions for negotiations.