KREMLIN COMPLAINS UKRAINE “DISOBEYED” TRUMP AS REFINERY STRIKES RESUME
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has complained that Ukraine ignored Donald Trump’s demands to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. He also credited European support with giving Kyiv the confidence to continue.
The language is revealing. Ukraine is a sovereign country defending itself against Russia’s invasion. Its security cannot depend on whether Moscow approves of the targets it strikes—or whether the Kremlin believes it should obey Washington.
The Wall Street Journal reported an informal pause in refinery attacks following American pressure. But Russian bombardment continued. Ukrainian restraint did not bring Ukrainian families equivalent protection from missiles, drones or attacks on their energy infrastructurek
Now Fire Point reports that Ukrainian-built FP-1 drones struck the Novokuybyshevsk refinery, recording multiple hits, including a diesel hydrotreating unit. The facility can process approximately 8.8 million tonnes of crude annually. Its operational status and repair requirements remain unclear.
Our view is straightforward: giving diplomacy a chance cannot mean giving Russia an indefinite exemption from pressure while Ukraine continues to suffer. Any restraint must produce meaningful, reciprocal commitments.
The smoke over Novokuybyshevsk shows that Russia’s fuel infrastructure remains vulnerable. Ushakov’s complaint shows how much Moscow would prefer Ukraine to leave it alone.