US President Donald Trump described the resumption of Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries as a "shame", launching fresh criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and arguing that such strikes are contributing to higher global oil prices.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmax, Trump said he disapproved of the attacks and suggested there were other targets Ukraine could pursue.
"Shameful" was how Trump characterised the renewed attacks on Russian refineries.
Asked about the issue during the interview, he replied: "I think it's a shame. There are so many other targets," citing the surge in fuel prices.
First strike since energy truce announcement
The Ukrainian drone attack on a refinery in Russia's Ryazan region was the first strike on a Russian energy facility since Trump announced on Sunday that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to an energy ceasefire.
Trump used the incident to intensify his criticism of the Ukrainian leadership.
Trump criticises Zelensky
"The only thing Zelensky is doing is raising oil prices around the world," Trump said.
Arguing that "it's harder to work with Zelensky than with Putin", Trump told Newsmax that the Ukrainian president "doesn't want to reach an agreement. He says he does, but in reality he doesn't".
Zelensky defends renewed attacks
On Thursday, Zelensky announced the resumption of attacks on Russian refineries, defying the "energy ceasefire" announced by Trump.
The Ukrainian president also called on Trump not to side with the "aggressor" in the war with Russia.
Source: ANA-MPA
