Trump Calls Ukraine’s Russian Oil Refinery Strikes a ‘Disgrace’ as Zelenskyy Praises EU Leaders

U.S. President Donald Trump has called Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil infrastructure a “disgrace,” as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended Kyiv’s actions and sought greater financial and military support from European leaders.

Trump criticised Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in an interview with Newsmax, arguing that the strikes were pushing up global oil prices. “All he’s doing is making the world oil price higher,” Trump said. “Well, I think that’s a disgrace.”

He also argued that Ukraine could target other facilities rather than refineries producing diesel fuel. “There are a lot of targets you can hit, but when you shoot at diesel refineries where you make, you know, diesel oil, and we need that, and the world needs that, then he’s not doing a good service for the world.”

Ukraine struck the Ryazan oil refinery on Oct. 15. Russia’s Defense Ministry said “the Kyiv regime attempted a large-scale attack on an oil refinery in Ryazan” and that “a fire broke out after drone debris fell onto the refinery site.”

Trump had announced a proposed pause in attacks on energy facilities, but neither Russia nor Ukraine had publicly confirmed a mutual agreement. The dispute has added to tensions over attacks on energy infrastructure. Trump has also expressed frustration with Zelenskyy, saying he was “not a big fan” and adding, “I find Zelenskyy to be more difficult to deal with than Putin.”

Zelenskyy Defends Ukraine’s Position

Zelenskyy pushed back against Trump’s criticism, saying he was disappointed by the US president’s stance but accepted his role in efforts to end the war. “It’s painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side,” Zelenskyy said. “But we are OK that he’s in the middle.”

Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine could consider pausing strikes if the United States provided additional Patriot air defence interceptors. The proposal comes as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its defenses against Russian missile and drone attacks.

Zelenskyy Seeks European Backing at Brussels Summit

At a Brussels summit, Zelenskyy turned to European leaders for additional financial and military support. He sought €70 billion, or approximately $79 billion, as Ukraine faces substantial wartime spending needs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said support for Ukraine “has to be covered” and called on European countries to “step in.” European officials have also discussed further sanctions against Russia, including a planned 22nd sanctions package.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Ukraine continued to depend on satellite communications for its defence. “Starlink is really necessary for Ukraine. And unfortunately, in the short term, Europe can’t replace this capability,” Kallas said.

She also argued that pressure should be directed at Moscow rather than Kyiv. “We definitely have a different approach to this war. We see that we have to pressure the aggressor to stop the war, not the victim to surrender.”

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal indicated that a new loan could help address Ukraine’s budget shortfall. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the situation as increasingly difficult. “The situation in Ukraine is currently truly dire, with numerous Russian attacks and a tense relationship between Ukraine and the U.S.,” Jetten said.

Patriot Shortages and Starshield Restrictions Complicate Defense

Ukraine is facing shortages of Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors as Russian forces continue their missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy has also raised concerns about restrictions affecting Starshield, the satellite communications service operated by SpaceX.

He said some limitations hadn’t been fully lifted, although access was “now coming back.” Ukraine is working with several countries, including France, on alternatives and additional support. A U.S. official denied that Trump had ordered a deliberate slowdown of Starshield services. Trump has said intelligence sharing with Ukraine continued.

Zelenskyy said on X that Russia had launched more than 850 drones, criticising what he described as restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, “precisely at a time when the speed of our defensive capabilities is being artificially restricted.” The continued attacks have intensified concerns over Ukraine’s air defences and the impact of the war on civilians and infrastructure.