Trump criticizes Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries, links them to rising fuel prices and renews calls for elections as Kyiv insists on security guarantees.
US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising global fuel prices and renewing his demand for elections in the war-torn country.
Trump described Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities as “a disgrace,” arguing that the attacks were disrupting fuel supplies and driving up prices, particularly for diesel. He said the world needed diesel and warned that continued strikes on refineries could put further pressure on energy markets.
His remarks have highlighted growing differences between Washington and Kyiv over how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Trump has portrayed Zelensky as a difficult negotiating partner, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was easier to deal with than the Ukrainian leader.
The dispute comes amid concerns about rising energy costs following the conflict involving Iran and disruptions to global oil supplies. Higher fuel prices have also emerged as a domestic political challenge for Trump ahead of the US midterm elections.
Trump has repeatedly called for Ukraine to elect a new president who could negotiate an agreement with Moscow to end the war. His latest comments have renewed pressure on Zelensky, whose government has argued that elections cannot be held under current wartime conditions without adequate security guarantees.
Zelensky has said Ukraine is prepared to hold elections if Russia agrees to a complete ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. He has maintained that organising a nationwide vote during an active war would be extremely difficult and that Ukrainians must ultimately decide who leads their country.
Ukraine has remained under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The restrictions and security challenges associated with the war complicate efforts to organise elections under existing conditions.
The disagreement over elections and attacks on energy infrastructure has added another point of contention between the two leaders. Kyiv has maintained that strikes against Russian military and energy targets form part of its efforts to defend the country against Moscow’s invasion.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its military campaign against Ukraine, with attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure underscoring the difficulties facing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Trump’s latest remarks reflect the competing positions surrounding a possible settlement. Washington has pressed for negotiations, while Kyiv has emphasised the need for security guarantees and conditions that would allow Ukrainians to vote safely.
Whether pressure on Ukraine, negotiations with Russia or a ceasefire agreement can bring the conflict closer to an end remains uncertain. The disagreements over elections and energy infrastructure continue to complicate efforts to establish a common path toward peace.
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