Zelenskyy Stands Firm on Attacks Amid U.S. Pressure

In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is resisting appeals from the Trump administration to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. He stated in a Fox News interview, “Our response must be painful.”

Zelenskyy discussed conversations with President Donald Trump regarding the targeting of oil facilities. Trump has linked these attacks to rising gas prices in the U.S.

We had different conversations — different, and several — with President Trump and with his team about attacks on refineries, Zelenskyy explained. We said that if you want us not to attack Russia’s refineries, they have not to attack our energy system.

Zelenskyy called for an energy cease-fire with Russia as Washington pressures Ukraine to stop targeting Russian oil refineries.

Ukraine reports ongoing Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, causing power outages as winter approaches.That’s why we have to respond. But our response has to be painful for Russian military people, Zelenskyy stated. If we will not respond on energy, they will continue.

U.S.-Ukraine relations were further strained in October when Trump agreed to import large quantities of Russian diesel to the United States.

Zelenskyy cautioned against supporting Russia, while praising first lady Melania Trump’s role in a humanitarian evacuation from Russian-held territory.

He hinted Ukraine might refrain from further attacks on Russian oil sites if the U.S. supplied more Patriot missile interceptors. When Fox News questioned whether this maneuvered Trump, Zelenskyy answered, I don’t have any concerns when I share the truth between partners.

Our countries are huge partners. American society (is a) huge supporter, he added. That’s why I have to share with (the) president the truth, the real situation: that America can’t help Russia. (The) president can’t help Putin.

At the upcoming peace talks in the United Arab Emirates, Zelenskyy urged Trump to advocate for a mutual ceasefire on energy attacks. If the American president thinks that this war has influence on the prices, Zelenskyy argued, he can ask, energy ceasefire, during (the) Abu Dhabi trilateral meeting: energy ceasefire.

Zelenskyy spoke just before exhausted residents of Oleshky left the Russian-controlled town, crossing into Ukraine under a truce coordinated by Melania Trump, the first such move in over four years of conflict.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the importance of the first lady’s efforts, calling the evacuations a huge result and expressed his gratitude, noting,I don’t know how many such steps will be available for us, but if the First Lady can do it… it’s very helpful. I’m very thankful to her.

Trey Yingst currently serves as chief foreign correspondent for FOX News Channel, having joined the network in August 2018.