KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is rejecting appeals from the Trump administration to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, telling Fox News: “Our response must be painful.”
In an interview held in Kyiv, Zelenskyy confirmed that he has held talks with the Trump administration regarding attacks on oil facilities. President Donald Trump has linked those strikes to elevated gasoline prices in the United States.
“We held several different conversations with President Trump and his team concerning attacks on refineries,” Zelenskyy said.
“We made clear that if Washington wants us to refrain from striking Russian refineries, Russia must cease its attacks on our energy system,” he added.
During his Fox News interview, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on President Donald Trump to negotiate an energy ceasefire with Russia, even as Washington urges Kyiv to end its attacks on Russian oil refineries. (Fox News)
Ukraine has reported almost daily Russian strikes against its energy infrastructure, causing power outages as temperatures fall ahead of winter.
“That is why we must respond. Our response must inflict pain on the Russian military,” Zelenskyy said. “If we do not retaliate against their energy sector, they will not stop.”
Relations between Washington and Kyiv suffered another setback in October after President Trump arranged for the United States to import millions of tons of Russian diesel.
Zelenskyy cautioned President Trump against providing assistance to Russia while commending First Lady Melania Trump for her role in arranging a humanitarian evacuation from Russian-controlled territory. (Fox News)
Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine might suspend further attacks on Russian oil facilities if the United States supplies additional Patriot missile interceptors to defend Ukrainian airspace. When asked by Fox News whether this could be interpreted as leveraging President Trump, Zelenskyy replied: “I have no reservations about speaking the truth to our partners.”
“Our nations are significant partners. American society offers strong support.”
“That is why I must convey the truth to the president: the United States cannot aid Russia. The president cannot assist Putin.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Fox News that Ukraine intends to continue targeting Russian oil refineries despite objections from the Trump administration. (Pier Marco Tacca; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
In advance of scheduled peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy urged President Trump to pursue a targeted ceasefire under which Russia and Ukraine would halt strikes on energy facilities.
“If the American president believes this conflict affects prices,” Zelenskyy said, “he can raise an energy ceasefire during the trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi.”
Zelenskyy spoke with Fox News hours before exhausted and malnourished residents departed the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky and entered Ukraine under a humanitarian truce arranged by First Lady Melania Trump — the first such operation in over four years of war.
Zelenskyy praised the First Lady’s initiative, describing the evacuations as “a huge result.” He added: “I do not know how many such measures will be possible for us, but if the First Lady can accomplish this, it is greatly helpful. I am very grateful to her.”
