Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is openly defying calls from the Trump administration to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, asserting in an interview with Fox News that Ukraine’s response must be “painful” to deter continued Russian aggression. Zelenskyy acknowledged discussions with the Trump administration regarding these strikes, which former President Trump has linked to rising U.S. gas prices. “We said that if you want us not to attack Russia’s refineries, they have not to attack our energy system,” Zelenskyy stated, highlighting Ukraine’s retaliatory strategy in response to near-daily Russian strikes on its own energy infrastructure, which have caused power outages amidst dropping winter temperatures. He emphasized that failing to respond would embolden Russia, declaring, “If we will not respond on energy, they will continue.” Zelenskyy suggested a potential trade-off, indicating Ukraine might reconsider refinery attacks if the U.S. provides more Patriot missile interceptors to protect Ukrainian skies, dismissing concerns about leveraging the situation by stating, “I don’t have any concerns when I share the truth between partners.” He further urged the U.S. president to push for an “energy ceasefire” during upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi, arguing that such a move could influence global energy prices. Zelenskyy also welcomed a humanitarian truce brokered by former First Lady Melania Trump for resident evacuations from Oleshky, calling it a “huge result” and expressing gratitude for her initiative.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
