In a recent interview with Newsmax, former President Donald Trump called Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace,” intensifying his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The remarks come after an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine collapsed, with Ukraine resuming attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
Trump's Criticism of Ukraine's Oil Refinery Strikes
Trump expressed his disapproval, stating, “All he’s doing is making the world oil price higher. Well, I think that’s a disgrace.” He emphasized that targeting diesel refineries harms global fuel supplies, adding, “There are a lot of targets you can hit, but when you shoot at diesel refineries where you make diesel oil, and we need that, and the world needs that, then he’s not doing a good service for the world.”
Collapse of the Energy Ceasefire
The energy ceasefire, abruptly declared by Trump last week, was never formally agreed upon by Russia or Ukraine. Zelenskyy announced Kyiv was abandoning the ceasefire, leading to renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries. This development has further soured relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries have the potential to disrupt global diesel supplies, driving up prices. This is particularly concerning as the world grapples with high fuel costs and inflationary pressures. The table below compares key oil market indicators before and after the strikes.
| Indicator | Before Strikes | After Strikes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Diesel Price (per gallon) | $3.50 | $3.80 |
| Russian Diesel Exports (million barrels/day) | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Ukraine Refinery Strikes (per week) | 0 | 3 |
US Sanctions Relief and Zelenskyy's Response
Last week, Trump eased sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel onto global markets. Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, interpreting it as an attempt to curb high fuel prices before the US midterm elections. He argued it would allow Russia to continue its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began more than four and a half years ago.

Key Takeaways
- Trump labels Ukraine's oil refinery strikes a “disgrace” for raising global oil prices.
- The energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities.
- US sanctions relief for Russia has strained US-Ukraine relations.
- Global diesel prices have risen, impacting consumers worldwide.
FAQ
Why did Trump call Ukraine's strikes a disgrace?
Trump believes the strikes on Russian oil refineries are driving up global oil prices, which harms the world economy. He stated that targeting diesel refineries is counterproductive because the world needs diesel oil.
What was the energy ceasefire?
The energy ceasefire was abruptly declared by Trump last week, aiming to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, neither Russia nor Ukraine formally agreed to it, and it collapsed when Ukraine resumed strikes.
How have US-Ukraine relations been affected?
Relations have soured since Trump eased sanctions on Russia in exchange for diesel releases. Zelenskyy criticized the move, and Trump's latest remarks further strain ties.