Trump condemns Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil infrastructure

Oct 16 (Jowhar)- While Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized this strategy, calling it “shameful,” and warned that it contributes to rising global energy prices.

Ukraine has attacked a Russian-owned oil refinery after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv was withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement announced by Mr. Trump—one that pertained to energy facilities. Zelensky also criticized how Mr. Trump is willing to make deals with Moscow.

Speaking to Newsmax, Mr. Trump stated that the latest attack on the oil refining facility belonging to Rosneft, located in southeastern Moscow, which supplies fuel to the Russian capital—will cause prices to rise, which is unnecessary.

“All it does is raise global oil prices. Honestly, I see that as shameful,” said Mr. Trump.

Mr. Trump argued that although there are “many targets” in the war, attacking oil refining facilities has global implications, as the oil supply does not only affect Russia but impacts global markets.

“There are many targets that can be attacked, but when you target oil refining facilities—something we need, and the world needs—then it means you are not doing a good service to the world,” said Mr. Trump.

This statement comes at a time when Russia has launched missile and drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure, including power plants, which has caused electricity and energy outages for hundreds of thousands of people. Mr. Zelensky told the Financial Times that Ukraine's patience has run out.

The administration of Mr. Trump is engaged in efforts to reach a ceasefire to end the war stemming from Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In that interview, Mr. Trump reiterated his belief that Mr. Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are "mutually hostile," a situation he said complicates any efforts to stop the war.

"I personally do not support Zelensky," Mr. Trump said. "I think both of them want the war to end, but I feel that dealing with Zelensky is tougher than dealing with Putin." Even when Mr. Trump urged Kyiv to stop targeting Russian oil facilities, Ukraine faced a decline in the use of the satellite system it relies on for combat communications and drone operations.

Two American officials and a Western official questioned about this matter said that the order originated from the White House, without identifying who made the decision or who oversaw its implementation.

} With Mr. Trump's relationship strained, Mr. Zelensky traveled to Brussels to meet NATO chief Mark Rutte and held bilateral talks with European leaders before he joined today's EU summit.