Zelensky Resumes Refinery Strikes as US-Ukraine Relations Fray

The latest drone strike targeted a refinery in the Ryazan region, roughly 300 kilometers southeast of Moscow, according to regional governor Pavel Malkov. This escalation follows days of deepening friction between Kyiv and the White House. Zelensky, in an interview with the Financial Times, stated he felt betrayed by recent US actions, including limits on Starlink terminals and a perceived cessation of intelligence sharing regarding Russian ballistic missile activity.

Tensions reached a peak after President Trump publicly criticized the Ukrainian leader, describing him as difficult to work with and suggesting that leadership changes might be necessary. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to deny the validity of the truce, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeling Ukraine’s energy strikes as a direct challenge to the US administration. As support from Washington appears to waver, Zelensky has pivoted toward European partners, meeting with EU leaders in Brussels and UK officials in London to secure alternative commitments for Ukraine’s defense.