KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will continue responding to Russian attacks, despite calls from the Trump administration to stop striking Russian oil refineries. “Our response must be painful,” he said.
In an interview in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged that he and his team had discussed the refinery attacks with President Donald Trump and his administration. He said Ukraine had made its position clear: if Russia stops hitting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine could stop targeting Russian refineries.
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities have been reported almost daily, causing power cuts as temperatures fall ahead of winter. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had to respond, warning that Russia would keep attacking if it faced no consequences.
Tensions between Washington and Kyiv also rose in October after Trump agreed to import millions of tons of Russian diesel to the United States.
Zelenskyy suggested Ukraine might consider pausing attacks on Russian oil facilities if the U.S. provided more Patriot missile interceptors to defend Ukrainian airspace. Asked whether raising the issue could be seen as trying to pressure Trump, he said he was simply being truthful with a partner.
“America can’t help Russia,” Zelenskyy said. “The president can’t help Putin.”
With peace talks planned in the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy urged Trump to push for a limited ceasefire in which both sides would refrain from attacking energy facilities. If Trump believes the war is affecting prices, Zelenskyy said, he could call for an energy ceasefire during the trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Hours before the interview, residents of the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory under a humanitarian truce brokered by first lady Melania Trump. Zelenskyy praised her role, calling the evacuation a major achievement and saying he was grateful for her efforts.
