In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is standing firm against requests from the Trump administration to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. He told Fox News that Ukraine must retaliate effectively.
In a conversation with Fox News, Zelenskyy discussed talks with the Trump administration regarding oil facility attacks, which President Trump has linked to rising gas prices in the U.S. Zelenskyy remarked on these discussions, stating, “We said that if you want us not to attack Russia’s refineries, they have not to attack our energy system.”
“Our response has to be painful for Russian military people,” Zelenskyy stated. “If we will not respond on energy, they will continue.”
The backdrop to these tensions includes frequent Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages ahead of winter. This has further strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, exacerbated when Trump agreed to import Russian diesel in October.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the friction between the countries, but highlighted the strong American support for Ukraine. He suggested that more U.S.-made Patriot missile interceptors could deter further Ukrainian attacks on Russian sites, indicating a mutual interest in sharing the truth between allies.
“Our countries are huge partners. American society (is a) huge supporter,” he noted. He urged that America should not support Russia or President Putin, emphasizing the importance of truthful communication.
As the planned peace talks approach in the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy called on Trump to promote an energy ceasefire where both nations agree to refrain from targeting energy systems. He argued that understanding the war’s impact on prices could help drive discussions for a ceasefire during the upcoming trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Zelenskyy praised First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian efforts, which facilitated a significant evacuation from the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky. This move marked a notable step in humanitarian efforts during the ongoing conflict.
Trey Yingst, currently serving as Fox News Channel’s chief foreign correspondent, reported on these developments, having joined the network in August 2018.
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