Ukraine’s refinery strikes risk worsening tensions between Trump and Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is at risk of a clash with US President Donald Trump over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Trump has increasingly viewed the war through the effect of energy prices ahead of US midterm elections.

Ukraine still relies on US weapons paid for by other NATO allies and on intelligence from Washington.

It also faces a shortage of money as it approaches its fifth winter of war with Russia.

On October 10, Trump said Ukraine needed a new president and accused Zelensky of choosing not to settle the conflict.

The next day, Zelensky said Ukraine could hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, and Trump announced an energy-sector ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The tensions matter because a breakdown in relations with Washington could put key support for Kyiv at risk.