Trump Condemns Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries

President Donald Trump characterized renewed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries as a "disgrace," arguing that the attacks drive up global energy prices. The condemnation follows a major drone attack on Thursday morning that ignited a fire at a refinery in the Ryazan region, marking the first confirmed strike on Russian energy facilities since Trump announced an energy ceasefire between the two nations on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the impact of the strikes, stating the damage was not significant, though he vowed that Moscow would respond. While Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reported attacks in both the Saratov and Ryazan regions, Ukraine denied involvement in the Wednesday incidents.

In an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is more difficult to deal with than Putin regarding a compromise to end the war. Zelensky rejected the calls for an energy ceasefire and sought support from European allies during an EU summit in Brussels. Zelensky further urged the United States to maintain its support for Kyiv and called for honesty from Washington following claims that gaps in U.S. intelligence sharing betrayed Ukraine.