Trump demands Ukraine stop Russian refinery strikes — SkimNews
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- Trump on Saturday blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for higher US diesel prices, told Zelenskyy he had "better damn well stop," and suggested Ukraine replace its president, accusing him of missing opportunities to reach a deal with Moscow.
- Zelenskyy on Sunday rejected the unilateral concession, saying Ukraine would stop refinery attacks only if Moscow halts strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with any agreement requiring "real guarantees."
- Trump's announced diesel supply deal with Russia drew Zelenskyy's criticism as emboldening Moscow's attacks, while analysts said the agreed volumes were well below Russia's usual exports, making sustained fuel-price relief unlikely.
- Global diesel prices have risen sharply since the Iran war began in February, creating a political problem for Republicans ahead of midterms that could give Democrats control of one or both chambers of Congress.
- Republican Representative Don Bacon broke with the deal, saying it was time to impose more sanctions on Russia rather than lift them.
- Ukraine is seeking stronger European support, with Zelenskyy continuing daily talks with leaders on air-defence packages including ammunition to intercept Russian jet-powered drones.
- EU defence spending reached €418 billion in 2025, up 20% from the prior year according to the European Defence Agency, as Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha prepared to attend Monday's EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on sanctions and accession.
Why it matters: Ukraine would lose a source of pressure on Moscow while leaving its own power grid exposed, and analysts say the simultaneous Russian diesel deal is too small to actually lower US fuel prices — meaning Trump is pressuring a wartime ally over a price problem the deal won't solve ahead of midterms.
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