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Washington Presses Kyiv to Halt Attacks on Russian Oil Infrastructure
The United States has warned Ukraine that it could suspend key intelligence sharing if Kyiv continues attacks on Russian oil refineries, according to a report by the Financial Times published Friday.
The warning was delivered during a U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Miami on Thursday, where White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Ukrainian representatives that intelligence cooperation could be halted. The talks lasted about eight hours, according to the report.
A Ukrainian official involved in the negotiations told the Financial Times that the demand came directly from President Donald Trump. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil facilities as part of efforts to cut off a major source of revenue for Moscow, and the attacks have involved U.S.-provided intelligence, the report said.
Dispute Emerges During Talks Over Russian Fuel Agreement
The meeting became strained after U.S. officials informed the Ukrainian side that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reached an agreement on Russian diesel supplies, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The development reportedly contributed to the cancellation of a meeting planned for Friday. Ukrainian officials were said to have expressed frustration, arguing that Washington was demanding Ukraine stop attacks while not making the same request of Russia regarding its military operations.
Despite the dispute, the two sides continued discussions on a possible ceasefire proposal that could be presented to Russia before winter, the sources said.
Trump and Zelenskyy Clash Over Energy Infrastructure Attacks
Trump publicly announced the diesel agreement with Russia on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly objected and Ukraine subsequently carried out an attack on a Russian oil terminal.
The following day, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian leader had opportunities to end the war but chose not to do so. Trump also raised the possibility that Ukraine may need a change in leadership.
Trump said attacks on Russian refining facilities were creating broader global problems and urged Ukraine to stop the strikes immediately. He has pointed to concerns about disruptions in global energy markets, including possible effects on U.S. consumers.
A Shift in Washington's Position on Russian Oil Targets
The Financial Times reported that Trump's current position differs from his stance a year earlier, when he encouraged stronger attacks on Russian refineries as a way to increase economic pressure on Moscow and push it toward negotiations.
The United States has previously paused intelligence cooperation with Ukraine. After a public confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House last year, Washington suspended intelligence cooperation with Kyiv for eight days.
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